Although stealing is considered a rejected and forbidden behavior, and the thief is seen as stigmatized by society, there may be another side worth considering. Did you know that some people may find themselves forced to steal against their will, as a result of suffering from a psychological disorder known as kleptomania? In this case, stealing turns into a disease and not just an unacceptable behavior. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between the two conditions, as the person suffering from this disorder does not need to report it, but rather needs your support and assistance. In our next article, Dalili Medical, we will review everything you need to know about kleptomania.

When does kleptomania begin to appear?

 

The age at which this disorder begins varies. It may begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. In rare cases, it may begin in late adulthood.

What types of things do kleptomania patients steal?

 

Unlike those who steal for financial gain, to satisfy a need, or to get revenge, people with kleptomania generally do not focus on the object itself; rather, they focus on the act of stealing. In other words, they steal for the sake of stealing. The items they steal are usually small and of little value.

Do kleptomania keep the things they steal?

 

People usually do not keep the items they steal, as they often steal things they could have bought. In rare cases, people may hoard stolen items, and this phenomenon is more common in women than men. Some people try to return the stolen items secretly.

How common is kleptomania?

 

Kleptomania is a rare disorder, with a prevalence of between 0.3% and 0.6% of the general population. Women are three times more likely to be affected by this disorder than men. People usually steal on their own without any help.

Do most shoplifters have kleptomania?

 

No, shoplifting is more common than kleptomania. It is estimated that between 4% and 24% of individuals arrested for shoplifting have kleptomania. Arrests usually do not prevent people with this disorder from continuing to steal. In many cases, the disorder persists for years despite repeated arrests or convictions, leading to legal, family, occupational, and personal problems for those affected.

Does kleptomania run in families?

 

Kleptomania does not appear to run in families. However, first-degree relatives of kleptomania appear to have higher rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder than the general population. The incidence of substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder, is also higher in relatives of kleptomania than in the general population.

How does kleptomania develop in individuals?

 

There is limited clinical evidence about the typical course of kleptomania, but research has identified three typical pathways:

1. Episodes of kleptomania are short and intermittent, with long periods of remission between episodes.

2. Kleptomania episodes last longer, but they still alternate with periods of remission.

3. Kleptomania is chronic and has some changes.

. What is Kleptomania?

 

Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder in which individuals feel a recurring urge to steal things they do not need.

. What are the symptoms of Kleptomania?

 

Symptoms include recurring, uncontrollable urges to steal, feelings of stress before stealing, and relief afterward.

. What causes Kleptomania?

 

It is thought that the causes are related to a chemical imbalance in the brain related to the chemicals serotonin and dopamine.

. How is Kleptomania treated?

 

Treatment often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications to control impulses and address underlying mental health issues.

. How is Kleptomania diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis involves a psychological evaluation and ruling out other mental disorders that may affect impulsive behavior.

What is Kleptomania?

 

Kleptomania is a serious mental disorder in which a person has a persistent difficulty resisting the urge to steal things, even if they do not need them, and are often of little value or benefit. Kleptomania is a disorder that affects a person's mental health, and poses a great danger because it causes emotional pain as a result of their actions, which negatively affects their relationships with family and friends. The condition becomes more serious if the person is not treated, as kleptomania is a form of impulse control disorder, which is accompanied by emotional and behavioral problems that make it difficult for a person to control themselves. If you suffer from any type of impulse control disorder, you may find it difficult to resist temptations or to prevent yourself from doing things that you later regret.

**What to do when you discover that someone close to you has kleptomania?**

 

If you suspect that a family member is silently suffering from kleptomania, it is important to talk to him gently and without describing him as a thief. You should realize that this condition reflects a mental disorder and not just a personality disorder. Therefore, avoid blaming or accusing him.

**What is kleptomania?**

 

Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder, meaning that individuals with it have difficulty resisting the urge to do something, in this case stealing. Unlike traditional theft, the motivation behind kleptomania is psychological and not necessarily physical or related to financial gain. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes kleptomania as a recurrent failure to resist the urge to steal things that a person does not need for personal use or for monetary value. The act of stealing is often followed by a feeling of relief or satisfaction.

**How ​​common is kleptomania**

It is often difficult to determine the percentage of individuals who suffer from kleptomaniaStealing with precision, as people with this obsession have the ability to deceive and steal secretly and is difficult to detect. Statistics indicate that about 4-24% of people in the markets may be suffering from kleptomania.

**Characteristics of a person with kleptomania**

A person with kleptomania has a set of traits that can be easily noticed, the most prominent of which are:

- He steals things out of possession and automatically without any prior planning.

- He steals in public places such as malls and restaurants.

- He targets family members or close friends.

- He steals worthless things that he does not use in the first place.

- He often tries to return the things he stole to their original places.

**People most vulnerable to kleptomania**

The groups most vulnerable to kleptomania include individuals who suffer from mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders in general. There may also be a link between kleptomania and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Also, people with low levels of serotonin in the body may be more susceptible to this obsession.

Individuals who are addicted are also at risk, as stealing can contribute to regulating dopamine levels in the body, which may be affected by addiction.

In addition, people who suffer from an imbalance in opioid receptors in the brain, which play a role in regulating motivations and desires, may be more susceptible to kleptomania.

Having a family history of kleptomania.

Individuals who were involved in accidents at an early age that resulted in head and brain damage.

It is important to note that two-thirds of people with kleptomania are women.

**Causes of kleptomania**

**Biological factors** Studies suggest that kleptomania may be linked to disorders in the brain's neurotransmitter systems, especially those related to serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a key role in regulating mood and behavior, and any imbalance in them may lead to impulsive behavior.

**Genetic factors**Family research suggests that there is a genetic component to kleptomania. People who have first-degree relatives with kleptomania or other impulse control disorders may be more likely to develop the condition.

**Psychological factors**Psychological factors play a role in kleptomania, such as past trauma, psychological stress, and a personal history of mental health disorders. People with mood or anxiety disorders, as well as those with substance abuse problems, are more likely to exhibit stealing behavior.

**Environmental factors**Environmental triggers, such as major life changes or stress, can exacerbate the urges associated with kleptomania. For some individuals, stealing may be a way to cope with emotional stress.

Serotonin disorders occur, which is one of the main neurotransmitters naturally present in the brain, as it represents a chemical substance that regulates the mood and emotional aspects of the person. Serotonin levels usually decrease in people who have behavioral impulses and emotions or have a lack of discipline in their actions.

The reason may be due to chronic behavioral disorders that caused the person to become addicted to stealing, as when he starts to commit the act of stealing, this stimulates the secretion of another neurotransmitter in the brain, which is dopamine, which increases the leakage of a pleasant feeling in the person, making him always need to reach such a feeling that sweeps him to commit repeated thefts.

The opioid system in the brain: It may be due to the opioid receptors in the brain, which is a special opioid system responsible for regulating the drive for internal desire and can be affected by some disorders, which makes it difficult for the person to control himself in the face of the various incentives that he will have to face.

**Symptoms and characteristics of a person with kleptomania:**

Each disease has its symptoms that help In diagnosing and determining its type. The following are the symptoms of "Kleptomania" and the characteristics of a person with kleptomania:

- The person lacks the ability to resist his strong desire to steal things he does not even need.

- He feels more tense, anxious and excited, which prompts him to commit thefts.

- He feels false pleasure and comfort during the theft, trying to satisfy himself.

- He suffers from a feeling of guilt and remorse after committing the act.

- He has a feeling of self-loathing and shame, and fears punishment or imprisonment after the theft.

- His desires are repeated and become stronger over time.

These characteristics are among the most prominent results reached by studies on people with kleptomania, and they can be easily observed in these patients:

- The person steals as a result of his desire controlling him, and not out of a motive to achieve personal gain, revenge or rebellion as a normal thief does.

- He commits thefts automatically and without prior planning, and without any help or cooperation from others.

Most people with kleptomania steal from public places such as restaurants and stores, while others steal from friends or family or at parties and other events.

Most of the stolen items have no real value to the person with kleptomania and are often never used.

Sometimes the person may feel the urge to steal, while other times it stops. These behaviors may occur continuously or intermittently over time.

For the items that have been stolen, the thief must seek to secretly return them to the place where they were taken.

**Diagnosis of kleptomania**

Diagnosis of kleptomania requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a mental health professional. This process usually includes the following:

**Clinical interviews** Mental health professionals conduct detailed interviews to gather information about the person’s history, symptoms, and behavior patterns.

**ThePsychological assessments**Use a variety of psychological assessments and questionnaires to assess an individual's psychological state and identify any accompanying disorders.

**Differential diagnosis**It is essential to distinguish between kleptomania and other conditions that may involve stealing, such as conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or substance abuse. An accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment.

**Treatment of kleptomania**

Effective treatment for kleptomania usually involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. Here are some common methods of treatment:

**Medications (prescription drugs)**There is no specific medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat kleptomania. However, there are some medications that may help in some cases, including:

- Naltrexone, which helps reduce the desires and pleasure associated with stealing.

- SSRI antidepressants.

**Note:** None of the medications mentioned in this article should be used without consulting a specialist doctor, to avoid any side effects, and the site administration disclaims any responsibility for any incorrect use.

**Psychotherapy** Psychotherapy is an effective method that helps individuals identify negative and unhealthy behaviors associated with stealing, and replace them with positive behaviors.

This treatment aims to develop skills that help the person control their desires related to stealing, as the patient learns relaxation techniques and other strategies, in addition to exposing him to stimulating situations that help him reduce these desires in healthy ways.

Among the methods used is the method of covert sensitization therapy, where the patient imagines himself during the theft process and faces the possible consequences, such as being arrested.

There is also the method of hazing therapy, which involves the patient practicing difficult exercises, such as holding his breath when he feels the desire to steal, which helps him reach the necessary comfort for recovery.

**Support groups**Joining a support group can provide individuals suffering from kleptomania with a sense of belonging and understanding. Sharing experiences and coping strategies with others who face similar challenges can have a positive impact and alleviate feelings of loneliness.

**Family Therapy**

Family therapy can be very helpful in addressing the impact of kleptomania on family relationships and family dynamics. This type of therapy helps family members understand the disorder and develop strategies to support their loved ones.

**Relapse Prevention**Relapse prevention strategies are essential to maintaining long-term recovery. These strategies may include developing coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and regular follow-up sessions with a therapist.

What are the effects of kleptomania on the individual and society?

 

Effects include:

- Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression.

- Deterioration of personal relationships.

- Loss of trust between individuals, whether within family or among friends.

- The person may feel the need to hide their behavior from others, leading to social isolation and increased feelings of loneliness.

- Facing legal problems that may include prosecution and penalties, which negatively impacts professional and personal life.

- Incurring financial costs, such as psychotherapy or medication expenses, in addition to legal costs resulting from the thefts.