Kleptophobia (also known as cleptophobia) involves the fear of theft.

This phobia can actually be used to describe two distinct fears.

The first is a fear of being stolen from or robbed.

Burglary breaking into family home

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The second is a fear of stealing from someone else.

The two fears are often related and may exist simultaneously.

A specific phobia involves an irrational and excessive fear of a specific object or situation.

News coverage of robberies and thefts may also contribute to this fear.

Symptoms

The symptoms of kleptophobia vary depending on the key in that you suffer.

Treatment

Like most phobias, kleptophobia can be successfully treated using a range of techniques.

You will also learn new behaviors and coping strategies that you’re able to use in stressful situations.

Medications may also be helpful to manage some of the symptoms associated with kleptophobia.

Samra CK, Abdijadid S.Specific Phobia.

In: StatPearls [Internet].

Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.