A mental disorder in which a person repeatedly steals items and cannot resist urges is known as Kleptomania. Generally, people do not need these stolen items. In most cases, these items are not expensive and a person with Kleptomania can afford to buy them. Despite it is a rare mental condition, it can lead to serious health problems. For instance, it may provoke emotional pain in yourself and your loved persons as well as legal problems.
This mental health problem is also known as an impulse control disorder. Such disorders involve emotional or behavioral self-control problems. For example, when a person experiences an impulse control disorder, it becomes challenging to resist the temptation or urge to perform an act nonetheless it is harmful to you or other people.
Commonly, those who suffer from this mental disorder are ashamed because they are afraid to get mental disorder treatment. Unfortunately, there is no way to cure this problem, and treatment with medications and therapies helps to cope with urges.
Symptoms
- A person is unable to resist urges to steal objects that usually do not need
- They can also experience feelings of increased tension, anxiety, and arousal that lead to theft and thereafter feelings of pleasure, relief, or satisfaction.
- Sometimes, people with kleptomania may feel guilty, remorse, self-loathing, shame, or fear.
- Repeated urges
Immediately contact your healthcare professional if you cannot stop stealing or shoplifting. In any case, many people do not seek medical attention because they are afraid to be arrested or jailed. In such cases, you should know that doctors do not report these thefts.
Kleptomania Features
- People with kleptomania usually steal because they cannot resist the urge but not for personal gain, revenge, or out of rebellion. For instance, most shoplifters steal for previous reasons.
- Kleptomania episodes usually happen suddenly.
- Approximately all people with this mental disorder steal items from public places (including stores). Sometimes, stolen objects can be from friends or acquaintances (such as at a party).
- Mostly, the stolen items do not have value for a person with this mental disorder.
- The stolen items commonly are stored and never used. In some cases, stolen objects are donated or given away to family or friends, or secretly returned.
- Temptations to steal happen repeatedly.
What to do if you Suspect a Loved One Has Kleptomania?
It is advised to raise concerns gently with a person who has kleptomania, especially if it is a close friend or family member. However, this is a mental disorder and it is advised to approach the person without blame or judgment. Additionally, you can consult with a healthcare professional if you need to prepare for this discussion.
Causes
Unfortunately, experts do not know the exact cause of this mental health problem. However, some theories suggest that it happens due to specific changes in the brain but more research is needed. Check below some potential kleptomania causes:
- Serotonin – Some physicians think there is a problem with serotonin production. This is a neurotransmitter that controls moods and emotions. Reduced levels of this chemical in the body can lead to impulsive behaviors and emotional distress.
- Addictive disorders – Another potential cause involves elevated dopamine release. In other words, when a person steals something, it provokes a surge of dopamine. This is another neurotransmitter that is responsible for pleasure feeling.
- Opioid system of the brain – This brain’s system helps to regulate urges and an imbalance can make it challenging to resist urges.
- Learned habit – Generally, urges are uncomfortable because each time you respond to them by stealing something it provokes a temporary decrease in distress. As a result, it may lead to a strong habit that can be difficult to break down.
Risk Factors
This mental condition occurs quite rarely. Moreover, there are many kleptomania cases that can be never diagnosed. Many people with this condition do not seek medical care because they are afraid to be arrested. In most cases, kleptomania starts during the teen years or in young adulthood. Furthermore, females are more affected by this condition than males. Check some potential risk factors below:
- A family history of kleptomania can contribute to this mental disorder.
- People with other mental disorders are more likely to get kleptomania. These include depression, anxiety, or a substance use disorder.
Complications
It is not recommended to ignore this condition and not get treatment because it may lead to certain unpleasant outcomes. For example severe family, work, legal, financial, and emotional problems. Therefore, you may feel guilty, ashamed, and self-loathing. In some cases, people with kleptomania are arrested due stealing. Check below for other kleptomania complications:
- Substance use disorder (such as alcohol misuse)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar or anxiety disorders
- Suicidal behavior or thoughts
- Other impulsive control disorders (including compulsive gambling or shopping)
Prevention
It is not possible to prevent this mental disorder because it is unknown the exact cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the worsening of the condition and complications. Otherwise, you may develop a habit that can be quite hard to break.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose this mental health problem by performing a physical and psychological examination. During a physical examination, physicians can determine a cause that potentially triggers the kleptomania symptoms. In addition, to confirm the condition, physicians may also use the guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Treatment
The treatment for kleptomania commonly is different among patients because it depends on the symptoms, existing health conditions, the use of other medications, and other factors. In most cases, it involves medications, psychotherapies, and joining support groups. However, it may take time to find the best option for you. Check below some treatment options:
Medications
While there is no evidence about medicines that help with kleptomania some of them can help. Physicians usually prescribe one of a combination of the following medications. For example:
- Addition medications such as Naltrexone (it helps to lessen urges and pleasure associated with stealing)
- Antidepressants – Generally, doctors prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Psychotherapy
The following psychotherapies can help to control urges associated with stealing. Examples include:
- Aversion therapy – This procedure involves mild painful techniques (including holding your breath) when you experience an urge to steal.
- Covert sensitization – During this therapy, you should picture yourself stealing and thereafter experiencing negative consequences (including being caught).
- Systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning – This treatment option involves relaxation techniques that help to cope with urges in a healthy way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between kleptomania and theft?
Yes, people with kleptomania do not steal for profit, on a dare, or for revenge compared to shoplifters for example.
How to reduce the kleptomania symptoms?
The treatment for people with this mental disorder usually involves a combination of medicines and psychotherapies. Finding the best option for you may take some time.
What are the possible complications of kleptomania?
It is very common for those who suffer from kleptomania to have other mental disorders including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, and others. Furthermore, they have an increased risk of self-harm and even suicide. Ask your healthcare professional if you have additional questions.
