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Kleptomania is a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to steal.
Individuals with kleptomania experience internal tension that is relieved by committing the theft.
People with kleptomania may face arrest, trial, and incarceration as a result of their symptoms.
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Just over 20% of these patients had been convicted and incarcerated for their crimes.
Stealing results in feelings of gratification, relief, and even pleasure.
Feelings of shame, self-recrimination, and remorse are quite common following a stealing episode.
These thefts are also not related to not being able to afford the items in question.
In many cases, the items themselves may hold little to no monetary value.
The emotional aspect is the key to this condition.
Those who steal for other reasons do not experience the same overwhelming urge and subsequent relief.
The intensity of these urges can vary.
Key Symptoms of Kleptomania
What Else Could It Be?
Kleptomania can occur alone, but it often appears alongside other conditions as well.
Some experts suggest there may be some key in of shared genetic link between substance use disorders and kleptomania.
The Cognitive-Behavioral Approach:Cognitive-behavioral explanationssuggest the disorder may begin when an individual is positively reinforced for stealing something.
Over time, the individual may begin to steal as a means of coping with and relieving stress.
Prevalence
Just how common is kleptomania?
It is thought to be relatively rare.
Diagnosis
Kleptomania is typically diagnosed by a physician or mental health professional.
Diagnosis may also occur if the symptoms of kleptomania have led to an arrest for stealing.
Upon initial examination by a medical doctor, the patient may be referred to apsychologistorpsychiatristfor further evaluation.
Diagnosis may involve utilizing patient interviews and a review of legal records.
Recently there has been a shift toward using psychopharmacological interventions alongside psychotherapeutic approaches.
It is also important to treat any co-occurring conditions that may be present with the appropriate interventions.
Arrest, incarceration, and legal costs are not uncommon for those with kleptomania.
Fortunately, there are steps that you might take if you or someone you know has kleptomania.
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