Kleptomania: Dispelling Myths and Revealing the Facts

Kleptomania is a mental condition characterised by a desire to steal things without any intention. This condition, also referred to as impulse control disorder, can lead to persistent mental impairment, causing compulsions to steal and collect things which are not required. Kleptomaniac often experiences guilt and shame, fearing defamation, if they seek help from a psychiatrist or a counsellor.

What is kleptomania?

Kleptomania is characterised by a complex emotional cycle associated with stealing. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, people with kleptomania are usually aware that their acts are immoral and irrational, and they try to fight the urge to steal. Individuals with this syndrome have an overwhelming desire to steal, which is followed by a growing sense of stress before the crime. During or after stealing, people frequently experience feelings of relaxation. Despite this awareness, they are constantly concerned about being caught, and they frequently experience depression and guilt about their actions, which significantly impact their general health and well-being.

Kleptomania symptoms

Kleptomania symptoms often include:

• Inability to resist urges to steal items that are not necessary
• Increased tension, anxiety or arousal before the theft
• Feeling pleasure, relief or satisfaction during the act of stealing
• Experiencing guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after the theft
• Recurrence of urges and repetition of the kleptomania cycle

Characteristics of people with kleptomania

• Unlike typical shoplifters, individuals with kleptomania do not steal for personal gain, on a dare, for revenge or out of rebellion. They steal because the urge is overwhelmingly powerful.
• Kleptomania episodes usually occur spontaneously, without planning or assistance from others.
• Most kleptomania-related thefts occur in public places like stores, though some may steal from friends or acquaintances at social gatherings.
• The stolen items often hold no value to the person with kleptomania, and they can usually afford to buy them.
• Stolen items are typically hidden away and never used. They may also be donated, given away to family or friends, or even secretly returned to the place from which they were taken.
• The intensity of the urge to steal can vary over time, sometimes becoming more or less frequent.

Kleptomania causes

Kleptomania causes remain unclear, but several factors can contribute to the condition, such as:

• Brain chemistry: Chemical imbalances between neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play that can lead to kleptomania. Serotonin is responsible for mood and emotions, while dopamine is serotonin’s partner in the brain’s reward system. Variations in these neurotransmitter levels may trigger the condition. For instance, individuals who develop kleptomania after intake of certain medications may exhibit changes in neurotransmitter levels. However, such cases are uncommon and require more evidence.
• Brian structure alterations: Individuals with kleptomania tend to exhibit structural differences in their brains, notably in the regions responsible for impulse control and inhibitions. These variations may suggest reduced or diminished connections within the brain areas that oversee self-restraint.
• Differences in brain structure: People with kleptomania likely have certain differences in brain structure, especially the regions that manage impulse control and inhibitions. Such alterations might be attributed to fewer or weaker connections in those brain areas.
• Underlying health condition: As a manifestation of other mental health disorders, some specialists view kleptomania as a symptom rather than a standalone condition. It is quite prevalent for those with kleptomania to experience additional mental health challenges, particularly anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions and substance use disorders. They are also at an elevated risk for self-harm and suicidal behaviour.
• Genetics: Experts remain uncertain about whether kleptomania can be inherited or if having a family history increases one’s likelihood of developing it. While individuals with kleptomania frequently share a family background of various mental health issues, especially anxiety, mood disorders and substance use disorders, there is no conclusive evidence to support a genetic basis.

Myths and facts about kleptomania

Myth: Shoplifters are kleptomaniacs.

Fact: While kleptomaniacs do steal, they differ from regular shoplifters. They steal impulsively without planning or seeking personal gain, revenge or rebellion.

Myth: Kleptomania is a symptom of hysteria.  

Fact: Historically, kleptomania was wrongly linked to reproductive disorders in women. This has been disproven.

Myth: Kleptomania is not a serious condition.  

Fact: Kleptomania affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Modern psychology has reduced the stigma, allowing more people to seek appropriate treatment.

Myth: Pyromania and kleptomania often coexist.  

Fact: Many kleptomaniacs also suffer from other impulse-control disorders, including pyromania.

Myth: Kleptomania is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and certain eating disorders.  

Fact: Some psychologists view kleptomania as an impulse-control disorder driven by compulsive thoughts about stealing. Kleptomaniacs often steal items that provide comfort or enjoyment, similar to how others might use substances as coping mechanisms.

Myth: Kleptomaniacs can stop stealing if they want to.  

Fact: Kleptomaniacs struggle to control their urges. Despite knowing that stealing is illegal, they find it difficult to stop due to the nature of impulse-control disorders.

Myth: Kleptomaniacs only steal valuable items.  

Fact: Kleptomaniacs often steal items they don’t need or want, sometimes hiding them, donating them or returning them. Seeking medical help is crucial, and confidentiality is maintained by healthcare professionals.

Myth: Kleptomaniacs feel no remorse after stealing.  

Fact: After stealing, kleptomaniacs often experience intense guilt, regret, embarrassment and fear of arrest. The urge to steal can strike at any time and place, including public venues and private homes.

Kleptomania diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria for kleptomania are based on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition-TR. A healthcare provider can diagnose kleptomania if the following five criteria are met:

• Repetitive inability to control the urge to steal unwanted items, which are neither used for personal or financial benefit
• An intense feeling of anxiety just prior to carrying out the theft
• A sense of enjoyment, satisfaction or relief during the act of theft
• The act of stealing is not performed as a means to convey anger or revenge, nor is it a reaction to delusion
• The stealing cannot be explained by conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder

Kleptomania treatment

Kleptomania is usually treated with certain kleptomania therapies and medications. However, there is no standard treatment or cure for kleptomania because of a lack of research. In addition, individuals with kleptomania are underdiagnosed and often go unrecognised, as such cases are uncommon. The most common treatment approaches include:

• Medications: These may include opioid antagonists, antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs. These medications can help to block the positive feelings associated with stealing and help individuals resist the urge.
• Psychotherapy: Also known as mental health or behavioural therapy, psychotherapy helps people understand why they do things and teaches them ways of changing or stopping such behaviours. Many forms of psychotherapy can effectively treat kleptomania. Among them are cognitive therapy, group therapy and even hypnosis.

Conclusion

Kleptomania is a psychiatric condition causing the urge to steal after knowing it is wrong and feeling guilty. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to relationship problems, legal issues and suicidal risk. Treatment may help manage and resist these impulses, improving their quality of life.