diff --git a/dlls/comctl32/listbox.c b/dlls/comctl32/listbox.c
index cb645b44672..9e6d8ea8dc5 100644
--- a/dlls/comctl32/listbox.c
+++ b/dlls/comctl32/listbox.c
@@ -508,7 +508,7 @@ static void LISTBOX_PaintItem( LB_DESCR *descr, HDC hdc, const RECT *rect,
         RECT r;
         HRGN hrgn;
 
-	if (!item)
+	if (index >= descr->nb_items)
 	{
 	    if (action == ODA_FOCUS)
 		DrawFocusRect( hdc, rect );