Kleptomania: Understanding the Compulsive Urge to Steal

Kleptomania is a mental health disorder characterized by a constant urge to steal items even though the items are not needed. According to the DSM-5, people with kleptomania “typically attempt to resist the impulse to steal, and they are aware that the act is wrong and senseless. The individual frequently fears being apprehended and often feels depressed or guilty about the thefts.”¹American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Kleptomania. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/kleptomania
If you suffer from this condition, you will constantly feel the urge to steal things. These things are generally low value and, in most cases, are things you won’t need. Before the act of stealing, you may feel nervous; after the act, you may feel a rush of pleasurable feelings. This is a very rare disorder, and most people will not go for treatment because of the shame associated with it. However, it is crucial to seek medical attention as the condition may cause pain and distress for you or your loved ones. You might also end up facing legal consequences.

What Causes Kleptomania?

It is currently unknown what causes Kleptomania. However, researchers have put forward several theories. These theories range from changes in brain neural structure, brain chemistry, addictions, etc. Kleptomania has been linked to:

•  Impulse control disorders: Kleptomania is considered to be an impulse control disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to steal.²Yui Asaoka and others, Distinct Situational Cue Processing in Individuals with Kleptomania: A Preliminary Study, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 26, Issue 5, May 2023, Pages 340–349, https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyad005 Dysfunction in the brain’s reward and inhibitory systems may play a role in this impairment.
• Low levels of serotonin: A neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions and moods (Think of neurotransmitters as chemical messengers that help your brain cells communicate with each other).
• Imbalances in the brain’s opioid system: Disruptions in the brain’s opioid system can make it more difficult to resist urges and control impulsive behaviors.
• An addictive disorder that causes the release of Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure. People may become addicted to that “Dopamine high” they get after stealing things.
• Some evidence suggests that there is a genetic component to Kleptomania. It appears to run in families. Genetic factors may influence impulsivity and the regulation of brain neurotransmitters involved in reward processing.

 Risk Factors 

Kleptomania is a relatively rare disorder that often goes undetected. For many people, the disorder starts in the teenage years, though it might start in late adulthood. Two-thirds of the people with Kleptomania are females. Other risk factors include having another mental disorder like depression or anxiety.³Talih FR. Kleptomania and potential exacerbating factors: a review and case report. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(10):35-39. Having a family member with an addictive disorder may also increase your risk of Kleptomania.

 Symptoms

The symptoms of Kleptomania may include:

• Overwhelming impulse: A persistent inability to resist the intense urge to steal items that are not necessary or needed.
• Emotional arousal: Feeling heightened tension, anxiety, or arousal leading up to the act of theft.
• Pleasure or Relief: Experiencing a sense of pleasure, relief, or satisfaction while engaging in this behavior.
• Post-theft emotions: Overwhelming feelings of guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame, or fear of legal consequences after theft.
• The cycle of repetition: The recurrence of these urges leads to a cyclic pattern in which the kleptomania steal reemerges.

By understanding and recognizing these symptoms, we can better understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with kleptomania and Kleptomanias, providing appropriate support and treatment.

Characteristics of Kleptomania:

It is crucial to recognize that individuals with kleptomania exhibit unique features in their stealing behaviors.⁴Grant JE. Understanding and treating kleptomania: new models and new treatments. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2006;43(2):81-7. PMID: 16910369. The symptoms of kleptomania may mKleptomaniathe following ways:

• Unlike typical shoplifters who steal for personal gain, revenge, or rebellion, individuals with kleptomania engage in stealing purely because the compulsion is so overpowering that they cannot resist it.
• Episodes of kleptomania typically occur abruptly, without premeditation or assistance from others. The urge to steal emerges spontaneously and drives the individual to act.
• While individuals with kleptomania may steal from friends or acquaintances at social gatherings, their primary focus is often on public locations such as supermarkets. Personal relations do not drive the choice of target. Stolen items usually hold no significant value or practical use for the individual. Furthermore, they can often afford these items if they were to purchase them legitimately.
• Disposal or return of stolen items: Individuals with kleptomania frequently hide away the stolen items without any intention of using them. Alternatively, they may donate them, give them to family or friends, or even secretly return them to the place from which they were taken.
•  The intensity and frequency of urges to steal can vary over time, with periods of heightened intensity alternating with periods of reduced Kleptomaniarges.

How is Kleptomania diagnosed?

While there is no specific test for diagnosing kleptomania, a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a mental health provider is crucial. This evaluation aims to rule out other potential conditions and assess the presence of kleptomania. The assessment may include both physical and psychological components tailored to your individual case.

Physical Assessment:

During the physical evaluation, medical assessments are conducted to identify any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to or trigger kleptomania symptoms. This examination helps ensure a holistic understanding of your condition.

Psychological Evaluation:

The psychological evaluation involves in-depth discussions with your mental health provider. They may ask questions about your impulses, their emotional triggers, and situations that lead to stealing episodes. The focus will be on understanding the compulsive nature of the behavior, any challenges faced due to this urge, and assessing your ability to control these impulses. The evaluation helps identify patterns, emotional impacts, and other underlying mental health conditions associated with kleptomania.

Your mental health provider may also ask you to fill out self-assessment questionnaires.

What are the Signs of Kleptomania in Children?

Kleptomania in children may present with hoarding of their classmate’s pens or pencils. These items are generally not used. In many cases, this is a coping mechanism as the child may be under severe mental stress and may feel relief after stealing the object they desire. Moreover, this may also be a sign of bullying.

How to Care for Kleptomania in Children?

It is important to handle children with Kleptomania very carefully. Scolding them may cause more issues. You must counsel your child to return the object, apologize, and make up for their actions through effort, such as pocket money. Praising the child when they have apologized can reinforce inhibition against Kleptomania. Encouraging the child to open up and talk to them can allow you to find underlying psychological issues. Lastly, it is important to monitor your child and keep him away from situations where they might be tempted to steal.

When should you seek Medical Advice?

Knowing when to seek medical advice for kleptomania is crucial, although many individuals with the condition may be hesitant to do so, often due to the fear of legal consequences. However, it is imperative to understand that seeking medical advice for kleptomania does not typically result in reporting your actions to legal authorities due to doctor-patient confidentiality.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek medical advice if you find yourself unable to resist the urge to steal. Some individuals may choose to seek help because they are already aware of their condition or are concerned about the potential legal repercussions. Moreover, in certain cases, seeking medical assistance may even be a legal requirement.

How should you counsel someone?

If someone you know has Kleptomania, it is important to approach this as a mental health condition, not a character flaw. Hence, you should approach that person without judging or blaming them for something they may have done. Emphasizing the following points may help them in seeking the proper medical care:

• You care about the person’s health and well-being, which is why you have concerns.
• You worry about the potential consequences of compulsive stealing, such as arrest, job loss, or damage to important relationships.
• You acknowledge that individuals with Kleptomania may struggle to resist the urge to steal simply through willpower.
• There are available treatments that can potentially reduce the urge to steal and enable a life free from addiction and shame.

How is Kleptomania Treated?

There is no standard treatment available for Kleptomania. Most treatment regimes consist of medicine and Psychotherapy (behavioral therapy). Often, several treatments are prescribed to determine what works best for the patient. Some of the treatment options⁵Durst R, Katz G, Teitelbaum A, Zislin J, Dannon PN. Kleptomania: diagnosis and treatment options. CNS Drugs. 2001;15(3):185-95. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200115030-00003. PMID: 11463127. are:

• Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, reduces urges and feelings of pleasure associated with stealing.⁶Grant JE, Kim SW, Odlaug BL. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the opiate antagonist, naltrexoKleptomaniareatment of kleptomania. Biol Psychiatry. 2009;65:600–606.
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), as antidepressants⁷Lepkifker, Elie; Dannon, Pinchas N.; Ziv, Reuven; Iancu, Iulian; Horesh, Netta; Kotler, Moshe. The Treatment of Kleptomania with Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Clinical Neuropharmacology 22(1):p 40-43, January 1999.
• Relaxation techniques in the presence of triggering situations. This is known as “Systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning” and can help you learn how to control your urges.
• Aversion therapy may also be prescribed. In aversion therapy, your doctor will condition you to give up your urge to steal by associating that urge with something unpleasant.

Kleptomania is incredibly difficult to treat independently, so group therapy may also be recommended.⁸https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263807545_Kleptomania_A_case_report_from_Sri_Lanka

What are some Complications of Kleptomania?

If left untreated, it may lead to other health and psychological issues, such as:

• Conditions characterized by difficulties controlling impulses, such as excessive gambling or shopping habits.
• Misuse of alcohol or other substances.
• Disorders related to personality traits and patterns of behavior.
• Conditions involving unhealthy eating patterns and body image concerns.
• Persistent feelings of sadness and low mood.
• A mental disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.
• Various conditions are related to excessive worry, fear, and nervousness.
• Thoughts and actions related to self-harm or ending one’s own life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kleptomania is a complex mental disorder that can significantly impact an individual’s life, relationships, and overall well-being. Although the exact causes of Kleptomania are not fully understood, a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors likely contribute to its development. Effective treatment options, including psychotherapy and medication, can help individuals manage and reduce their impulsive stealing behaviors. Additionally, raising awareness and promoting understanding of Kleptomania as a legitimate mental health condition can help reduce stigma and encourage those affected to seek help. Through research, support, and compassion, we can strive to improve the lives of individuals living with Kleptomania and create a more inclusive and supportive society for mental health.

Refrences

• 1
  American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Kleptomania. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/kleptomania
• 2
  Yui Asaoka and others, Distinct Situational Cue Processing in Individuals with Kleptomania: A Preliminary Study, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 26, Issue 5, May 2023, Pages 340–349, https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyad005
• 3
  Talih FR. Kleptomania and potential exacerbating factors: a review and case report. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(10):35-39.
• 4
  Grant JE. Understanding and treating kleptomania: new models and new treatments. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2006;43(2):81-7. PMID: 16910369.
• 5
  Durst R, Katz G, Teitelbaum A, Zislin J, Dannon PN. Kleptomania: diagnosis and treatment options. CNS Drugs. 2001;15(3):185-95. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200115030-00003. PMID: 11463127.
• 6
  Grant JE, Kim SW, Odlaug BL. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the opiate antagonist, naltrexoKleptomaniareatment of kleptomania. Biol Psychiatry. 2009;65:600–606.
• 7
  Lepkifker, Elie; Dannon, Pinchas N.; Ziv, Reuven; Iancu, Iulian; Horesh, Netta; Kotler, Moshe. The Treatment of Kleptomania with Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Clinical Neuropharmacology 22(1):p 40-43, January 1999.
• 8
  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263807545_Kleptomania_A_case_report_from_Sri_Lanka