The signs of kleptomania may be difficult to identify. Patients with this impulse control disorder may later hide the stolen objects. Because theft is a crime, they are often reluctant to admit the behavior for fear of criminal prosecution.

Patients with kleptomania are often not identified until they are caught stealing. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can indicate a person may have kleptomania. They include:

• Strong urge to steal
  
  
• Building anxiety or tension prior to stealing
  
  
• Sense of relief after stealing
  
  
• Obsessions with stealing
  
  
• Stealing on impulse, without planning ahead
  
  
• Stealing when alone
  
  
• Stealing objects that are not valuable, not necessary or will not be used
  
  
• Discarding or giving away stolen objects
  
  
• Secretly hoarding stolen objects
  
  
• Returning stolen items
  
  
• Being held or questioned about shoplifting
  
  
• Arrests for shoplifting or theft