Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder in which a person is unable to resist the urge to steal small items. It often causes a build-up of tension before the theft, followed by relief or pleasure afterward.
It is also common for a person to feel guilt, remorse, and shame after stealing. These feelings may keep them from seeking mental health treatment, which may cause the condition to continue long-term.
Kleptomania, also known as compulsive stealing, can be treated with psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or with the support of a psychiatrist who can evaluate whether medication may help. There is no single standard treatment, and care may involve therapy, medication, or both.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of kleptomania are:
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Frequent inability to resist urges to steal unnecessary objects
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Increasing tension before the theft
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Pleasure or relief during the theft
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Feelings of guilt, remorse, shame, and depression after the theft
Kleptomania usually begins in childhood or adolescence and is more common in women.
Unlike someone who steals for personal gain, according to the American Psychiatric Association, a person with kleptomania steals objects that are not needed for personal use or for their value.
In most cases, the stolen items are never used and may even be returned to the rightful owner.
Confirming a diagnosis
Kleptomania is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist, who evaluates the person’s symptoms, when they started, and the situations that may trigger episodes of stealing.
Possible causes
The causes of kleptomania are not fully understood. However, it appears to be linked to changes in the function of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.
These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, emotions, and reward processing. A brain system known as the opioid system may also play a role in impulse control by influencing the brain’s reward pathways.
Treatment options
Treatment for kleptomania should be managed by a psychiatrist, who may recommend psychotherapy, medication, or both.
The main treatments for kleptomania are:
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is done with a psychologist and is important for helping the person build strategies to manage impulses and avoid stealing. These strategies may include reminders of the guilt felt after stealing and the risks involved in the behavior.
However, this treatment can take time, and family support is important in helping the person manage the condition.
2. Medications
A psychiatrist may recommend medications for kleptomania to help control the urge to steal. These may include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or anti-anxiety medications.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, treatment for kleptomania may include psychotherapy, medication, or both, depending on the person’s symptoms and clinical needs.
Possible complications
It is important for kleptomania to be identified and treated with guidance from a psychologist or psychiatrist. Otherwise, it may lead to psychological complications such as depression and severe anxiety.
In addition, kleptomania can cause problems in personal life, since the urge to steal may interfere with concentration and with healthy relationships at work and at home.