Story Content

A kleptomaniac is a person who has the urge to steal things even when they don’t need them. It is a mental health disorder that is characterised by irresistible urge to steal. This condition cause the urge to steal even in the absence of the need or inability to afford the stolen items. The actual cause of kleptomania is still being researched. The condition occurs in 0.6% population. 

What Cause Kleptomaniac? 

It is caused due to genetics, neurotransmitter abnormalities and the presence of other psychiatric conditions.

• A chemical in a brain is the most believable cause of Kleptomaniac. 
• Low serotonin level in the brain can cause this disorder. Serotonin is a brain chemical that regulates the moods and emotions of an individual. 
• Neurotransmitters ( Brain chemical) abnormalities: This regulates most of the signals that our brain gives us for different actions. Any defect in this signaling can cause changes in the reaction of the individual even to the simple situations.
• Dopamine is the neurotransmitter, released while stealing. This gives pleasurable feelings and some people feel this rewarding condition again and again.
• Underlying Conditions like Dementia, brain injury, childhood abuse, substance abuse may also result in kleptomaniac tendencies.
• Family History

Who are at high Risk? 

Women are more likely to have this condition than men in a ratio of 3:1 and rarely seen in children. This tendency are more likely to develop in women in their late 30s with psychiatric disorders. 

How kleptomania feel after stealing?

• Kleptomania is the inability to refrain from stealing and is classified as a mental illness. 
• People who are kleptomaniac, are not shoplifters. They do not steal for their benefits and revenge nor they make plan to steal anything. Instead, they have a very strong urge inside that cannot resist slipping something in their pocket. 
• People who are kleptomaniac, when steals an item, often feel regret and shame after doing this action. The reason for this is, they have nothing to do anything with the things they steal and they often throw or give them away. 
• While stealing things, they have a feeling of relief, joy and/or pleasure. 
• They have no better explanation after stealing

What are the treatment options for kleptomania?

There is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for kleptomania. However, certain medications may help, depending on the situation and  other mental health disorders, such as depression or substance misuse, which include:

• Medications:  Like naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, which may reduce the urges and pleasure associated with stealing
• Antidepressant: Specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
• Psychotherapy:  Like Cognitive behavioral therapy which help the person control their kleptomania urges.
• Systematic desensitization: In this, a person practices relaxation techniques and pictures themselves controlling urges to steal.

7 ways to Help a Kleptomaniac

1. Help to recognize the symptoms
2. Explain the consequences to the person 
3. Avoid making the person feel embarrassed
4. Encourage the person to seek medical treatment
5. Help the person recognize they have a problem
6. Help the person stick to their treatment plan
7. Encourage the person to engage in healthy hobbies

Summary

Kleptomaniac is among the few psychiatric disorder, which is characterised by irresistible urge to steal. The cause is still unclear and very few cases found that these people were caught with expensive items. Although there is no treatment but some of the alternative treatments like anti-depressants, cognitive therapy etc. are given to reduce the urge of stealing.