Understanding the Symptoms, Causes and How to Treat Kleptomania

Causes of Kleptomania

The cause of kleptomania is not yet known for certain, but it is suspected that this condition is related to disturbances in chemical compounds in the brain, such as:

• Decreased levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates emotions and mood.
• An imbalance in the brain’s opioid system that causes an irresistible urge to steal.
• Disruption of dopamine release, a brain chemical that causes feelings of pleasure and addiction.

Risk factors for kleptomania

Kleptomania is a rare emotional and behavioral disorder. However, there are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing kleptomania, namely:

• Having a family history of kleptomania, alcoholism, or drug abuse.
• Suffering from another mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or personality disorder.

Symptoms of Kleptomania

Kleptomania is different from theft which is based on criminal motives. Some symptoms and signs that are characteristic of kleptomania are:

• Unable to resist the urge to steal
  People with kleptomania usually cannot resist the urge to steal even though the stolen item is something that is worthless or not needed by the sufferer. This is different from criminal theft which steals valuable and high-value items, which is intended for personal gain.
• Feeling anxious when stealing
  Sufferers also usually feel anxious and tense when they are about to steal. After successfully stealing, sufferers will feel happy and satisfied, but also feel guilty, regretful, ashamed, and afraid of being caught. Even so, sufferers still cannot stop themselves from repeating their actions.
• Stealing spontaneously
  Often kleptomaniacs steal spontaneously by themselves. This is different from criminal theft, which mostly involves other people and planning before committing the theft.
• Not using stolen items
  Kleptomaniacs rarely or even tend not to use stolen items for themselves. Sufferers usually throw away the stolen items or give them to friends or family.
• Not stealing for revenge
  The theft committed by the sufferer is not related to delusions or hallucinations. The sufferer also does not steal because of anger or revenge.
• Stealing in public places
  People with kleptomania tend to choose to steal in public places, such as shops or supermarkets. In some cases, people with kleptomania can also steal in crowded places from friends or acquaintances, such as when they are at a party.

See a doctor if you experience the above symptoms. Although most kleptomaniacs are reluctant to seek treatment for fear of legal action, you should not worry. A doctor will not report you to the authorities, but will help you overcome the problems you are facing.

If you suspect that your friend or family member has kleptomania, do not judge or blame them. Instead, reassure them that the behavior is a mental disorder and encourage them to consult a doctor.

Kleptomania Treatment

The doctor will ask about the urge to steal that the patient feels, as well as what the patient feels before, during, and after stealing. The doctor will also ask about situations that can trigger the urge to steal. The diagnosis of kleptomania is made based on information provided directly or through a questionnaire filled out by the patient. However, the doctor may also perform blood tests, as well as a CT scan or MRI of the head, to ensure that the patient’s symptoms are not caused by a head injury or brain disorder.

Kleptomania cannot be treated alone and will continue if not treated medically. To treat this disorder, doctors can use psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Here is the explanation:

• Psychotherapy
  The type of psychotherapy that is usually used to treat kleptomania is cognitive behavioral therapy. Through this therapy, patients will be given an overview of the actions they have committed and the possible consequences, including dealing with the authorities. That way, patients are expected to realize that stealing is a wrong action so that patients are more motivated not to steal again. Patients will also be taught how to fight their strong urge to steal, for example with relaxation techniques.
• Medications
  For medication, doctors can prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. These medications make serotonin work more effectively so that it can stabilize the patient’s emotions. This medication is usually given in conjunction with therapy. Doctors can also prescribe opioid antagonist drugs that function to reduce the urge to steal and the feeling of pleasure that arises after stealing. Kleptomania must be treated continuously so that it does not recur. If symptoms have improved but the urge to steal arises again, see a doctor immediately.

Complications of Kleptomania

If left untreated, kleptomania can cause many problems in the sufferer’s life, both in the family and work environment. In addition, kleptomaniacs can feel guilty, ashamed, and even hate themselves. These feelings arise from the awareness that stealing is a wrong action, but they cannot resist the urge to steal.

Other conditions thought to arise from kleptomania include:

• Depression.
• Alcoholism.
• Drug abuse.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Personality disorders.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Other impulsive disorders, such as gambling addiction.
• Eating disorders.
• Suicide attempts.

Kleptomania Prevention

As explained earlier, the cause of kleptomania is not yet known for certain. Therefore, it is also not known how to prevent this behavioral disorder. However, treatment carried out as early as possible can prevent kleptomania from getting worse and reduce the risk of negative impacts.