Kleptomania

Kleptomania is a mental disorder characterized by the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't really need and that usually have little value. Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder that can cause much emotional pain to you and your loved ones if not treated.

Symptoms

Kleptomania symptoms may include:

• Inability to resist powerful urges to steal items that you don't need
• Feeling increased tension, anxiety or arousal leading up to the theft
• Feeling pleasure, relief or gratification while stealing
• Feeling terrible guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after the theft
• Return of the urges and a repetition of the kleptomania cycle

Causes

The cause of kleptomania is not known. Several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania. More research is needed to better understand these possible causes, but kleptomania may be linked to:

• Problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate moods and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviors.
• Addictive disorders. Stealing may cause the release of dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward and addiction). This dopamine release may be addictive.
• The brain's opioid system. Urges are regulated by the brain's opioid system. An imbalance in this system could make it harder to resist urges.

Treatment

Kleptomania is typically treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medications may include:

• Addiction medications
• Antidepressants
• Mood stabilizers
• Anti-seizure medications
• Antipsychotic medications

Psychotherapy may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Family therapy
• Marriage counseling
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy

See also

• Impulse control disorder
• Addiction
• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

Kleptomania Resources
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