Taking something that belongs to others without permission is called stealing. This action is considered a crime and is subject to legal punishment.

There are many reasons why a person may engage in stealing, and one of them is an impulse control disorder. When theft is triggered by a psychological condition, it is referred to as kleptomania.

Kleptomania: What Are the Signs?

Kleptomania is recognized as a mental health disorder where an individual feels a powerful and uncontrollable urge to steal. Unlike theft driven by financial need, kleptomania is not motivated by economic reasons, and those who experience it often feel guilty or regretful afterward.

Experts group kleptomania under impulse control disorders, which are identified by the following characteristics:

• An inability to resist overwhelming urges to steal items that are not needed

• A sense of tension, nervousness, or heightened excitement before stealing

• Feelings of pleasure, release, or relief while stealing

• Overwhelming guilt, shame, or self-disgust after being caught stealing

• Repeated urges or recurring kleptomania episodes

Kleptomania is different from shoplifting, which is usually intentional and planned. People with kleptomania act based on sudden impulses, without preparation, and without help from others.

Those with kleptomania usually steal in public or crowded areas. The items taken are often of little value and may be thrown away or discreetly returned later.

What Causes Kleptomania?

The exact reason behind kleptomania is still not fully understood. However, several studies highlight potential factors that contribute to this condition, such as:

• Differences in brain structure that weaken control functions in individuals with kleptomania

• Changes in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that regulate specific mental processes

• Kleptomania appearing alongside other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, or addiction

Although the genetic connection to kleptomania is not yet clearly proven, people with a family history of psychological disorders, such as anxiety, mood disorders, or substance dependence are considered more at risk of developing kleptomania.

Treatments of Kleptomania

Just like other mental health conditions, kleptomania can be managed through medication and psychotherapy. The most important step toward recovery is for the person affected to acknowledge their condition and seek professional treatment as soon as possible.

However, this is often challenging because many people with kleptomania tend to withdraw socially and deny what they are going through.

If kleptomania remains untreated, it may develop into other impulse control problems, including compulsive shopping, gambling addiction, alcohol or drug misuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or even thoughts and attempts of suicide.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, or if you have ever felt an uncontrollable desire to steal, there is no reason to feel ashamed or afraid to seek professional assistance.

Although there is no absolute cure, therapy and medical treatment can help reduce the urges to steal and lower the risk of other mental health complications.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!