Kleptomania

An individual with kleptomania has an irresistible and repeated compulsion to steal items. These episodes of stealing occur unexpectedly, without planning.

What is it?

A person with kleptomania steals on impulse and often throws the stolen goods away, because they are mostly interested in the act of stealing. Kleptomania is distinguished from shoplifting in that most shoplifters plan the theft, usually because they want an item but do not have enough money to buy it. Many people with kleptomania
live secret lives of shame because they are afraid to seek help; up to 24 percent of those arrested for shoplifting are thought to suffer from it. Kleptomania is associated with other psychiatric problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, eating and personality disorders, substance abuse, and other impulse-control disorders. There is evidence to link kleptomania with the neurotransmitter pathways associated with behavioral addictions and mood-enhancing neurochemicals like serotonin. There is no specific cure for
kleptomania, but psychotherapy and/or medication may help break the cycle of compulsive stealing.

Perpetual pattern

A person with kleptomania may report feeling tense before they steal, then pleased and gratified as they do it. The subsequent guilt can increase the tension again.

Intrusive thoughts about stealing triggered.

Urge to steal is impossible to resist.

Stealing Item is often not for personal use.Item is usually hidden or thrown away.Item may have no
monetary value.

Arousal and relief
follow immediately after the event.

Feelings of stress, guilt, and selfloathing arise.