Kleptomania or Stealing Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Kleptomania is a condition where individuals struggle to resist the urge to steal items that they do not need. This disorder is a mental illness, distinct from typical criminal behavior, as those affected typically do not derive pleasure from the items stolen and even discard them afterward.

The prevalence of kleptomania is relatively low, affecting approximately 0.3% to 0.6% of the general population in the United States, translating to about 1 in 200 individuals, according to Talih FR’s 2011 report,” Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors,” published in the Innovations and  Clinical Neuroscience Journal. 

Individuals with kleptomania exhibit several key symptoms: an inability to resist stealing unneeded items, heightened tension preceding the theft, and feelings of pleasure or relief while stealing. Post-theft, they experience guilt, shame, or fear of arrest. These symptoms lead to emotional distress and complications in personal and professional relationships.

The exact causes of kleptomania involve a combination of biochemical factors, genetic predispositions, and psychological issues such as anxiety or mood disorders. Stressful life events and trauma worsen the condition, leading to more frequent urges to steal. 

Individuals with kleptomania have comorbid conditions, including other impulse control disorders (20-46%), mood disorders (45-100%), and anxiety disorders, according to Grant JE et al.’s 2008 study titled “Gender-related Differences in Individuals Seeking Treatment for Kleptomania” published in the CNS Spectrums Journal. This highlights the overlap between kleptomania and various psychiatric conditions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies that address these co-occurring disorders.

Diagnosis involves a thorough psychological evaluation based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), focusing on behavior patterns and associated emotional responses.

Treatment for kleptomania includes psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown effectiveness in helping individuals manage their impulses and develop healthier coping strategies. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers also be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues. 

Complications arising from untreated kleptomania include legal troubles, relationship issues, and co-occurring disorders like depression or substance abuse. Prevention strategies focus on early intervention through therapy and support groups to help individuals recognize triggers and develop coping mechanisms.

What is Kleptomania?

Kleptomania is a rare mental health disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to steal items that are unnecessary and of little value. Individuals with kleptomania do not steal for personal gain or out of need; instead, the act of stealing provides a temporary sense of relief or gratification. It is estimated that kleptomania affects approximately 0.3% to 0.6% of the general population, with a notable prevalence among females, who are affected three times more often than males, according to Grant JE et al.’s 2016 study titled “Characteristics and Correlates of Stealing in College students” published in the Journal of Criminal Behavior Mental Health.

Individuals with this disorder live in secret shame and avoid seeking help due to fear of legal repercussions. Treatment involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals manage their urges and develop healthier coping strategies. While there are no specific medications approved for kleptomania, some antidepressants and mood stabilizers may be used to alleviate symptoms associated with the disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Kleptomania?

The symptoms of kleptomania are a compulsive urge to steal, emotional tension before stealing, a sense of relief during or after theft, feelings of guilt and remorse, and awareness of wrongdoing. It is estimated that 4% to 5% of individuals arrested for shoplifting have kleptomania, indicating a connection  between the disorder and shoplifting behaviors, according to Carlos Blanco’s study titled “Prevalence and Correlates of Shoplifting in the United States” published in the American Psychiatry Journal. 

This shows that individuals with kleptomania experience intense urges to steal and feel relief when they do, but also feel guilty afterward.

The symptoms of kleptomania, according to the American Psychiatry Journal, include:

• Compulsive Urge to Steal: Individuals with kleptomania experience an irresistible impulse to steal items that are unnecessary or easily affordable, indicating a lack of control over their actions rather than a need for the stolen goods.
• Emotional Tension Before Stealing: There is an increasing sense of tension or excitement prior to the act of stealing, which builds up as the individual resists the urge.
• Feelings of Guilt and Remorse: After stealing, individuals experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and remorse. They are aware that their actions are wrong and feel anxious about potential consequences such as arrest.
• Awareness of Wrongdoing: Kleptomaniacs are aware that stealing is inappropriate and recognize the societal norms against theft. Despite this awareness, they struggle to control their impulses.

These symptoms highlight the complexity of kleptomania as a mental health disorder characterized by both behavioral and emotional challenges.

What Causes Kleptomania?

The causes of kleptomania disorder include neurochemical imbalances, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Genetic factors account for up to 60% of the risk for developing kleptomania and other impulse control disorders, according to Brewer JA et al. ’s 2008 study, “The Neurobiology and Genetics of Impulse Control Disorders,” published in the Biochemical Pharmacol. 

The causes of Kleptomania include:

• Aggression and Violent Behavior: Neurochemical imbalances play a role in developing kleptomania. Specifically, neurotransmitter imbalances such as serotonin and dopamine have been linked to impulsive behaviors. 

There is a correlation between low levels of 5-HIAA and high scores on psychopathy measures, particularly in violent offenders, where low serotonin metabolites were associated with higher overall levels of psychopathy, according to Seo D et al.’s 2008 research titled “Role of Serotonin and Dopamine System Interactions in the Neurobiology of Impulsive Aggression and its Comorbidity with other Clinical Disorders” published in the Aggression and Violent Behavior Journal. These imbalances affect the brain’s reward and pleasure center, making individuals more prone to seeking pleasurable experiences through stealing.

• Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition involves inheriting specific genes that make an individual more susceptible to developing kleptomania. Individuals with kleptomania had a higher likelihood of having first-degree relatives with alcohol use disorders, shown by χ2=6.994 χ2 =6.994 (p = .008), according to Grant JE’s 2003 study titled “Family History and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Persons With Kleptomania” published in the Comprehensive Psychiatry Journal.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as childhood trauma or stress, also contribute to the development of kleptomania. Approximately 85% of individuals diagnosed with Kleptomania also have co-occurring psychiatric disorders, e.g., mood disorders like major depressive disorder, according to Saluja B et al.’s 2010 study titled  “Kleptomania: A Case Series,” published in the Singapore Medical Journal. This suggests a strong link between emotional distress and kleptomaniac behavior.

These experiences lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as stealing, in an attempt to cope with negative emotions or feelings of inadequacy.

What Triggers Kleptomania?

The triggers of kleptomania are stress, anxiety, depression, social pressures, emotional distress, and environmental cues. About 85% of individuals with kleptomania have co-existing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance use disorders, according to Talih FR’s 2011 study titled, “Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors” published in the Innovation Clinical Neuroscience Journal.

The triggers of kleptomania are listed below:

• Stress: High levels of stress provoke the urge to steal as a coping mechanism. Approximately 20-46% of individuals with kleptomania also have other impulse control disorders, according to Talih FR et al. ‘s 2011 review titled, “Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors: published in the Innovations Clinical Neuroscience Journal. Therefore, kleptomania is also a way for individuals to release tension and alleviate stress.
• Anxiety: Feelings of anxiety lead individuals to engage in stealing to relieve tension. In a study involving young women, those reporting moderate to severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) engaged in behaviors such as stealing due to hunger. 

About 38.8% of these women reported stealing in the past month as a response to food insecurity, highlighting a potential link between anxiety, economic stress, and maladaptive coping strategies, according to Smanga Mkhwanazi’s 2021 study titled “Risk Factors For Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Young Women And Men In Informal Settlements In South Africa” published in the SSM Mental Health Journal.

• Depression: Individuals experiencing depression resort to theft as a way to escape their emotional pain. Up to 46% may have other impulse control disorders alongside kleptomania, according to Grant JE et al. ‘s 2008 study titled, “Cleptomania: Characterísticas Clínicas E Tratamento,”  published in the Portuguese Journal. This indicates that there are underlying mental health issues contributing to the behavior.
• Social Pressures: Situations involving peer pressure or societal expectations trigger impulsive stealing behaviors. A study indicated that 15.2% of high school students reported engaging in stealing behaviors, highlighting its relatively common occurrence among this demographic, according to Grant JE et al.’s 2011 study titled, “Stealing Among High School Students published in the Journal of American Academy Psychiatry Law. This suggests that peer dynamics and social influences play an important role in these behaviors.
• Emotional Distress: Feelings of loss, loneliness, or inadequacy lead to kleptomaniac urges. Kleptomania accounts for approximately 5% of all shoplifting incidents in the U.S., translating into an estimated economic loss of about $500 million annually due to kleptomaniac behaviors alone, according to Aboujaoude E et al. ’s 2004 review, “Overview of Kleptomania and Phenomenological Description of 40 Patients,” published in the Prim Care Companion Journal. This shows the significant impact of kleptomania on both individuals and society.
• Environmental Cues: Certain environments, such as crowded stores or social gatherings, heighten the urge to steal. In the first half of 2023, reported shoplifting incidents in 24 large U.S. cities were 16% higher compared to the same period in 2019, with New York City contributing to this increase, according to Ernesto Lopez’s 2023 report, “Shoplifting Trends,” published in the Council on Criminal Justice Journal. This shows how societal and environmental factors greatly influence kleptomania.

With a complex interplay of psychological, social, and environmental factors, it is clear that kleptomania is not solely the result of an individual’s lack of moral compass. Understanding these triggers helps individuals better cope with their urges and seek appropriate treatment for this disorder.

What Trauma Causes Stealing?

The trauma that causes stealing is childhood trauma. A study tracking over 4,300 participants found that 25% had at least one criminal conviction by age 35, with early trauma being a contributing factor, according to a 2022 report by the University of Edinburgh titled “Childhood Trauma Linked to Risk of Adult Crime.”Children who experience emotional neglect, abuse, or disruptions in attachment struggle with feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. 

These adverse experiences lead to emotional dysregulation, where individuals find it challenging to manage their emotions effectively. As a result, stealing emerges as a maladaptive coping mechanism to fill an emotional void, seek attention, or regain a sense of control over their circumstances. 

The psychological impact of trauma impairs impulse control and decision-making abilities. Individuals with kleptomania experience overwhelming urges to steal, driven by impulsive thoughts that they find difficult to resist. 

What Drug Causes Kleptomania?

There are multiple drugs that cause impulsive behaviors like kleptomania, like dopamine agonists, benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitors, stimulants, and antipsychotics.

Here is a list of drugs that can cause Kleptomania detailed below:

• Dopamine Agonists: Medications like pramipexole (Mirapex) and ropinirole (Requip), used for Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome, have been associated with impulse control disorders, including kleptomania-like behaviors. Among younger individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, nearly 60% have reported experiencing impulsive and compulsive behaviors, highlighting a significant risk factor associated with age, according to Averbeck BB, et al’s 2013 study titled, “Impulsive and Compulsive Behaviors in Parkinson’s Disease” published in the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. This indicates that the use of dopamine agonists should be carefully monitored and considered when prescribing to individuals with a history of impulsive behaviors or those at higher risk for developing them.
• Benzodiazepines: Drugs like Xanax (alprazolam) or Valium (diazepam), commonly used to treat anxiety  impair judgment and increase impulsivity, potentially contributing to kleptomania-like symptoms. 

Discontinuation of benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms in approximately 40% to 60% of long-term users, including anxiety rebound and increased impulsivity, according to Pétursson H’s 1994 research titled, “The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome” published in the Addiction Journal. This indicates that careful consideration and monitoring of benzodiazepine use is also important when treating individuals with impulsive behaviors.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline) cause the onset of impulsive behaviors. 

A study indicated that fluoxetine resulted in full or partial remission of impulsive aggressive behaviors in 46% of treated patients with intermittent explosive disorder according to John E et al’s 2015 study titled, “Psychopharmacological Options for Treating Impulsivity” published in the Psychiatric Times Journal. 

Therefore, it is important to closely monitor people on SSRIs for any changes in impulsive behaviors and adjust treatment accordingly.

• Stimulants: ADHD medications like Adderall (amphetamine salts) or Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase impulsivity in some individuals, potentially triggering kleptomania-like tendencies. 

A study found that stimulant medications like methylphenidate showed a positive response rate of approximately 70-80% in treating ADHD symptoms,according to Miyazaki K, et al’s 2023 research titled,”An adolescent Boy With Kleptomania and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treated With Methylphenidate and Guanfacine” published in the Neuropsychopharmacol Reports Journal.

• Antipsychotics: Drugs like Abilify (aripiprazole) are associated with impulse control issues, including compulsive shopping, gambling, and in some cases, stealing. Between 2002 and 2016, the FDA identified 184 case reports linking aripiprazole to impulse control problems. Of these, 167 cases were reported in the U.S., while 17 were documented in medical literature, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016 Report titled, “FDA Drug Safety Communication”.

Although kleptomania is relatively rare, it is important to recognize that medications affecting mood and impulse control play a role in its manifestation.

What are the Risk Factors for Kleptomania?

The risk factors of kleptomania include family history, gender, age, and concurrent mental health disorders. Approximately 63% to 81% of individuals with kleptomania are female, highlighting a notable gender disparity in prevalence, according to Aboujaoude E et al.’s 2004 study titled, “Overview of Kleptomania and Phenomenological Description of 40 Patients” published in the Prim Care Companion Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 

The risk factors of kleptomania are listed below.

• Family History: Having a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, with kleptomania or other addictive disorders increases the likelihood of developing kleptomania. Studies indicate that individuals with kleptomania are more likely to have first-degree relatives with psychiatric disorders, particularly alcohol use disorders and other impulse-control disorders, according to Grant JE’s 2004 study titled, “Family History and psychiatric comorbidity in persons with Kleptomania” published in the Comprehensive Psychiatry Journal.
• Gender: Approximately two-thirds of individuals diagnosed with kleptomania are women, suggesting a gender disparity in prevalence. Kleptomania exhibits a notable gender disparity, with studies indicating that approximately 63% to 81% of individuals diagnosed with this impulse control disorder are women, as reviewed in J.E. Grant et al.’s 2010 report titled “Kleptomania,” published in the Science Direct Journal. This shows how gender plays an important role in the development and manifestation of kleptomania.
• Age: Kleptomania begins during adolescence or young adulthood, typically around the age of 17, but it manifests later in life, as reviewed by Aboujaoude E et al.’s study, “ Overview of Kleptomania and Phenomenological Description of 40 Patients,” published in the Prim Care Companion Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 
• Concurrent Mental Health Disorders: Individuals with kleptomania frequently have other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, or personality disorders, which worsen the condition. According to Grant’s study, Kleptomania frequently co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders (45-100%), substance use disorders (23-50%), and other impulse control disorders (20-46%).

What Age Does Kleptomania Start?

Kleptomania begins in late adolescence to early adulthood, with the average onset age around 17. However, symptoms manifest at various ages, with reports of individuals showing signs as young as 5 and others not experiencing symptoms until their 50s, according to Aboujaoude E et al.’s study titled, “Overview of Kleptomania and Phenomenological Description of 40 Patients” published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. This indicates that the onset of kleptomania varies greatly, and there is no specific age at which it starts.

Who is More Prone to Kleptomania?

Females are more likely to be diagnosed with kleptomania than males, with studies suggesting that the disorder occurs three times more in women than in men. This higher prevalence among women is linked to various psychological and social factors, including societal pressures and the nature of impulse control disorders, according to McElroy SL et al. ‘s 1991 “Kleptomania” published in the Psychological Medicine Journal. With a higher prevalence in women, mental health practitioners need to consider gender when diagnosing and treating kleptomania.

The disorder is more commonly diagnosed in women, who represent about 63% of those affected, according to Grant JE et al. ‘s “Clinical Characteristics and Associated Psychopathology of 22 Patients With Kleptomania” published in the Comprehensive Psychiatry Journal. This is in line with other impulse control disorders, such as compulsive buying disorder and pyromania, which also have a higher prevalence in women.

Why is Kleptomania More Common in Females?

Kleptomania is more common in females, with estimates suggesting it occurs three times more frequently in women than in men, according to Jon E et al.’s 2008 research titled, “Gender-Related Differences in Individuals Seeking Treatment for Kleptomania” published in the CNS Spectrums Journal.

Several theories have been proposed to explain this gender disparity. Biological factors play a role, as hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle influence impulse control and emotional regulation.

Research indicates that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle impact emotional regulation and impulse control, which worsen behaviors such as kleptomania. According to Allshouse A’s 2018 study published in the “Menstrual Cycle Hormone Changes Associated with Reproductive Aging and How They May Relate to Symptoms,” this could potentially worsen kleptomaniac behaviors.

Sociocultural factors also contribute; women face different societal pressures and stressors that manifest as impulse control disorders. Research indicates that women with kleptomania tend to exhibit different patterns of stealing compared to men, such as a later onset age and a tendency to steal household items rather than electronic goods, according to Grant JE et al.’s 2008 “Gender-related Differences in Individuals Seeking Treatment For Kleptomania” published in the CNS Spectrum Journal.

According to Grant, women are more likely to experience co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety, which further complicate their mental health landscape and increase susceptibility to kleptomania.

How is Kleptomania Diagnosed?

Kleptomania is diagnosed by a comprehensive evaluation process that includes mental health assessments, patient history, and adherence to the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), according to Durst R et al.’s 2001 “Kleptomania: Diagnosis and Treatment Options” published in the CNS Drugs Journal.

The diagnostic criteria specify that individuals must exhibit a recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal items that are not needed for personal use or monetary gain, experience an increasing sense of tension before the theft, and feel pleasure or relief during the act. 

Mental health professionals conduct interviews, utilize self-report questionnaires, and review any legal records related to past thefts to gather pertinent information about the individual’s behavior and its impact on their life.

What are the Treatment Options for Kleptomania?

The treatment options for kleptomania are medications, psychotherapy, and support groups. The most effective treatment approach involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and support groups. Medications like Naltrexone have shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms. 

A study involving 221 participants demonstrated that naltrexone reduced the likelihood of relapse to heavy drinking, with an odds ratio of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.41-1.18; P = .17) compared to placebo, according to Talih FR et al.’s 2011 study titled, “Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors” published in the  Innovative Clinical Neuroscience Journal. This indicates a moderate effect of naltrexone in reducing the urge to steal and improving impulse control.

1. Medications

Medications help manage the symptoms of kleptomania by addressing neurotransmitter imbalances and reducing impulsivity.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline, are prescribed for managing symptoms of depression and have been effective in reducing stealing episodes in some patients with kleptomania. 
• Naltrexone: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that decreases urges and the pleasure associated with stealing, leading to notable symptom improvements in kleptomania, as evidenced by studies showing substantial reductions in stealing behaviors among treated participants. 
• Topiramate: Topiramate, originally an anticonvulsant, is effective for impulse control disorders like kleptomania, mainly when SSRIs alone are insufficient. Mood stabilizers such as lithium or valproate benefit some individuals dealing with kleptomania.

In one open-label study, the majority (90%) of participants reported improvement when treated with naltrexone, according to Aboujaoude E et al.’s study titled “Overview of Kleptomania and Phenomenological Description of 40 Patients” published in the Prim Care Companion Journal of  Clinical Psychiatry. This study also shows that medication is effective in treating kleptomania and reducing the urge to steal.

2. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a critical component of treatment for kleptomania, focusing on behavioral change and coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of psychotherapy for kleptomania. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge their thoughts and beliefs about stealing and develop new coping skills to manage urges and impulses.

Other forms of therapy that are helpful include behavioral modification. Approaches like aversion therapy involve associating negative feelings with the urge to steal, helping individuals recondition their responses to triggers. 

Follow-up studies suggest that patients who engage in CBT experience long-lasting effects. For example, after a 14-month follow-up, patients who received CBT alongside pharmacological treatment reported being asymptomatic regarding their kleptomaniac behaviors, according to David C. Hodgins’s study titled “Cognitive-behavioral treatment.”

3. Support Groups

Support groups provide peer support for individuals struggling with kleptomania. Groups based on 12-step programs or addiction recovery offer a safe space for sharing experiences and coping strategies, according to Donovan DM et al. ’s 2013 study, “12-step Interventions and Mutual Support Programs for Substance Use Disorders: An Overview,” published in the Social Work Public Health Journal. These groups foster community and understanding among participants, which is important for recovery.

The combination of these treatment options is the most effective approach for managing kleptomania. Evidence suggests that integrating psychotherapy with pharmacological treatments yields better outcomes than alone. 

While no single treatment guarantees success for all individuals with kleptomania, a tailored approach that includes medications, psychotherapy, and support groups tends to be the most effective strategy for managing this complex disorder.

Can Kleptomania Be Cured?

Yes, Kleptomania can be cured with ongoing treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and naltrexone, which help mitigate urges to steal and address underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression. 

Treatment is tailored to the individual, combining psychotherapy with pharmacological interventions. It also involves support groups to foster a sense of community and accountability. Long-term management is essential, as kleptomania persists without consistent treatment; thus, individuals are encouraged to remain engaged in their therapeutic processes to cope effectively with their impulses over time.

How to Help Someone with Kleptomania

To help someone with kleptomania, consider approaching them with compassion, avoiding judgment, encouraging professional help, supporting healthy outlets, and discussing triggers.

• Approach with Compassion: Initiate conversations with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that kleptomania is a mental health disorder rather than a moral failing.
• Avoid Judgment: Refrain from shaming or blaming the individual. Emphasize that they are not alone in their struggle and that seeking help is a positive step forward.
• Encourage Professional Help: Suggest they speak with a psychiatrist who will provide appropriate treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication.
• Support Healthy Outlets: Encourage them to engage in stress-relief activities like yoga, art, or meditation, which help manage urges to steal.
• Discuss Triggers: Help them identify situations or feelings that trigger their urges to steal. This awareness assists in developing coping strategies.
• Avoid judgment: Remember that it is not your responsibility to “fix” or “cure” someone with kleptomania. Your role is to offer support and encouragement towards seeking professional help.

By implementing these strategies, you provide meaningful support to someone struggling with kleptomania while fostering an environment of understanding and care.

What are the Complications of Untreated Kleptomania?

The complications of untreated kleptomania are legal, relational, and employment complications. Individuals with this impulse control disorder face serious legal consequences, including arrest and incarceration. 

Studies indicate that approximately 68% of those with kleptomania have been arrested at least once for theft, with some serving jail time, according to Aboujaoude E et al.’s study titled “Overview of Kleptomania and Phenomenological Description of 40 Patients” published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

The stigma associated with stealing also strains personal relationships. Individuals hide their behavior from family and friends, leading to feelings of isolation and distress. This secrecy deteriorates trust and communication, ultimately resulting in the loss of valued relationships. 

Kleptomania also affects job performance, as the emotional turmoil surrounding the disorder, such as guilt and anxiety, distract individuals from their work responsibilities, potentially leading to job loss or decreased productivity.

Emotional distress is also an outcome of untreated kleptomania. Individuals experience profound feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing after stealing, which worsen mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

This cycle of impulsive stealing, followed by remorse, leads to social withdrawal and further isolation from supportive networks. 

Is Kleptomania a Crime?

Yes. Kleptomania is classified as a crime due to its nature of stealing, which is illegal regardless of the psychological condition involved. While kleptomaniacs do not have traditional criminal intent, their actions still violate the law. 

Legal defenses are complex; under the M’Naghten rule, proving a lack of understanding of their actions is difficult, as kleptomaniacs usually recognize their behavior and feel guilt. However, defenses succeed under the American Law Institute’s standards of substantial incapacity to control conduct, which is demonstrated. Convictions lead to jail time, though some receive treatment or reduced sentences based on their mental health status.

How to Prevent Kleptomania

To prevent kleptomania, educate yourself, identify triggers, learn stress management techniques, communicate openly, and seek professional help.

To Prevent Kleptomania, follow these steps:

• Educate Yourself: Understand kleptomania, its symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. Knowledge empowers you to recognize early signs and seek help promptly.
• Identify Triggers: Keep a journal to track situations, thoughts, or emotions that lead to the urge to steal. Recognizing these triggers helps you avoid them and develop healthier responses.
• Learn Stress Management Techniques: To manage stress effectively, engage in activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques help reduce the tension that precedes kleptomaniac urges.
• Communicate Openly: Share your struggles with trusted friends or family members. Having a support system provides encouragement and accountability during challenging times.
• Seek Professional Help: If you notice persistent urges or find it challenging to manage on your own, consult a mental health professional. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective in addressing kleptomania.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Someone Has Kleptomania?

If you suspect someone has kleptomania, encourage professional help, avoid confrontation, express care and concern, educate yourself and them, and support healthy coping strategies.

Here are some ways to help someone with kleptomania:

• Encourage Professional Help: Suggest that the individual consult a mental health professional who specializes in impulse control disorders. Professional assessment and treatment are crucial for managing kleptomania effectively.
• Avoid Confrontation: When discussing your concerns, approach the person gently. Avoid accusations or confrontational language, which leads to defensiveness and hinder open communication.
• Express Care and Concern: Emphasize that your motivation concerns their well-being. Highlight the potential risks associated with kleptomania, such as legal issues and damage to relationships, to convey the seriousness of the situation without judgment.
• Educate Yourself and Them: Learn about kleptomania together. Understanding that it is a recognized mental health disorder helps reduce stigma and shame, making it easier for the individual to seek help.
• Support Healthy Coping Strategies: Encourage them to engage in healthy coping mechanisms, such as participating in support groups or therapy sessions, which provide a safe space for discussing their feelings and experiences related to kleptomania.

With your support, they learn how to manage their impulses and find healthier ways of dealing with stress and difficult emotions. 

Which Mental Health Conditions are Related to Kleptomania?

The mental health conditions related to kleptomania are anxiety disorders, depression, and various personality disorders. Kleptomania, classified as an impulse control disorder, manifests as an uncontrollable urge to steal items that are not needed or wanted, leading to emotional distress and potential legal issues.

Studies have shown that a good portion of those with kleptomania also meet the criteria for at least one personality disorder, with approximately 42.9% of individuals in one study exhibiting such comorbidities, according to Grant JE’s 2004 study titled “Co-occurrence of Personality Disorders in Persons With Kleptomania” published in the Journal of American Academy Psychiatry Law. 

The most common personality disorders identified were paranoid, schizoid, and borderline personality disorders.

A historical connection between depression and kleptomania has been established, suggesting that mood disorders either precede or co-occur with kleptomania onset. In a sample of 204 psychiatric patients, 31% were identified with an impulse control disorder, and among these, 7.8% were specifically diagnosed with kleptomania. This suggests that kleptomania is notably prevalent in psychiatric settings,  co-occurring with mood disorders, according to Talih FR’s 2011 study titled” Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors,” published in the Innovation Clinical Neuroscience Journal.

The interconnectedness of kleptomania with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and substance use highlights the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address these co-occurring conditions.

Is Kleptomania Related to ADHD? 

Kleptomania is related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), primarily through the common trait of impulsivity. Research indicates that approximately 15% of individuals diagnosed with kleptomania also meet the criteria for ADHD, suggesting a connection between the two conditions, according to Ayyildiz Didem’s 2018 report titled, “Kleptomania And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” published in the SANAMED Journal.

Treatment for ADHD, particularly with medications like methylphenidate, has been shown to improve symptoms of kleptomania, indicating that addressing ADHD helps mitigate impulsive stealing behaviors.

Is Kleptomania a Form of OCD?

No, Kleptomania isn’t a form of OCD. However, it is classified as an impulse control disorder, distinct from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), though both share similarities in compulsive behaviors. Individuals with kleptomania experience an uncontrollable urge to steal items they do not need, feeling a sense of tension before the act and relief afterward, which mirrors the compulsive nature of OCD behaviors aimed at alleviating anxiety through rituals. 

Studies show that the co-occurrence of OCD in individuals with kleptomania ranges from 6.5% to 60%, indicating a link between the two disorders, according to Grant JE et al.’s 2006 study titled “Compulsive Aspects of Impulse-control Disorders” published in the Psychiatric Clinical North American Journal. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between the two disorders in order to provide appropriate treatment and support for individuals struggling with kleptomania.

Is Kleptomania an Addiction?

Yes, Kleptomania is analyzed as a behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to steal items that are of little value and not needed for personal use.  Research suggests that both kleptomania and substance use disorders share underlying neurobiological mechanisms, such as alterations in the brain’s reward pathways, which contribute to the compulsive nature of these behaviors, according to Talih FR’s 2011 report titled “Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors.” 

Similar to substance addictions, kleptomania involves impaired impulse control and is associated with feelings of pleasure or relief during the act of stealing, followed by guilt or remorse, indicating a cycle of compulsive behavior and emotional distress. 

Is Kleptomania Part of Bipolar Disorder?

No, Kleptomania is not part of bipolar disorder although it does occur as a symptom during manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. During these manic phases, individuals experience heightened impulsivity, decreased insight, and an increased tendency to engage in risky behaviors, which include stealing. 

Estimates suggest that 10% to 60% of individuals with kleptomania also have bipolar disorder, highlighting the importance of thorough psychiatric evaluation in these patients, according to Odlaug BL et al’s 2012 study titled, “Suicide Attempts in 107 Adolescents and Adults With Kleptomania” published in the Archive of Suicide Reseach Journal. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of this relationship and take appropriate measures in treating patients with kleptomania.

How Does Kleptomania Affect the Brain?

Kleptomania affects the brain, particularly in the reward centers and areas responsible for impulse control. Research indicates that individuals with kleptomania exhibit compromised white matter integrity in the inferior frontal regions of the brain, which are crucial for decision-making and behavioral regulation, according to Saberi Moghadam et al’s study titled, “An Algorithmic Model of Decision Making in the Human Brain”. 

This impairment is associated with increased impulsivity and difficulties in resisting the urge to steal, even when the items have little or no monetary value. Saberi’s study suggests that kleptomania is linked to dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which play essential roles in the brain’s reward system. Dopamine release during the act of stealing leads to feelings of pleasure and relief, reinforcing the behavior despite its negative consequences.

Kleptomaniacs display distinct patterns of brain activity when exposed to environmental cues related to their compulsive stealing. These patterns are similar to those observed in other behavioral addictions, indicating that kleptomania shares neurobiological mechanisms with conditions like substance use disorders. 

The inability to control impulses and the resultant compulsive stealing behaviors suggest that kleptomania is not merely a moral failing but rather a complex interplay of neurological factors that require therapeutic intervention.