Kleptomania
(klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is 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.
How do you cure kleptomania?
- Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed and attend scheduled therapy sessions. …
- Educate yourself. …
- Identify your triggers. …
- Get treatment for substance abuse or other mental health problems. …
- Find healthy outlets. …
- Learn relaxation and stress management. …
- Stay focused on your goal.
What causes kleptomaniac?
Kleptomania is an irresistible urge to steal. It is believed to be caused by
genetics, neurotransmitter abnormalities and the presence of other psychiatric conditions
. The problem may be linked to a brain chemical known as serotonin, which regulates the moods and emotions of an individual.
Is kleptomania a form of OCD?
Kleptomania is frequently thought of as
being a part of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
, since the irresistible and uncontrollable actions are similar to the frequently excessive, unnecessary, and unwanted rituals of OCD. Some individuals with kleptomania demonstrate hoarding symptoms that resemble those with OCD.
Who is a kleptomaniac person?
A person with kleptomania has
a recurring drive to steal that he or she cannot resist
, stealing items for the sake of stealing, not because they need or want the items, or because they cannot afford to buy them.
Are Kleptomaniacs aware?
People with kleptomania
may be very aware of the consequences of stealing
, yet they still must steal to satisfy their urges. Like other impulse control disorders including problem gambling, individuals may attempt to stop, but cannot.
Is stealing a psychological problem?
Kleptomania, or compulsive stealing, is a common cause of theft that many forget about. This type of stealing is about a
psychological compulsion
instead of a desire to profit or gain something material or financial, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.
How do you feel when someone steals?
Being a victim of theft can
make you feel worried, sad, scared or angry
, especially if you feel like you’re trying to deal with this all on your own. Lots of young people find that it can help if they talk to someone.
How do you tell if someone is stealing from you?
- Look for unusual occurrences in the workplace such as: discrepancies of cash amounts. missing merchandise or supplies. …
- Watch the employee’s behavior for: unusual working hours. poor work performance.
Why does a child steal?
Some kids steal because
they feel something is missing in their lives
. What’s missing may be love or attention. Or simple things like food and clothing. They may be angry, sad, scared, or jealous.
Is stealing an addiction?
Stealing, taking something that belongs to others without permission,
can become an addiction
. The habit doesn’t have to be as extreme as breaking into people’s homes or shoplifting high-priced goods. Instead, it can be due to poor impulse control that leads to addictive, compulsive disorders.
What is the difference between kleptomania and shoplifting?
If a
person does not plan on stealing
, and they take things that aren’t needed, then shoplifting may be a symptom of an overarching disorder. Kleptomania is described as a condition that prevents the individual from controlling an irresistible impulse to steal something.
How can I stop stealing?
- Keep valuables out of sight; including purses and wallets, cell phones, electronics and jewelry, and never leave your valuables unattended.
- Do not carry more than you need. Leave unnecessary valuable items securely in your residence. …
- Wait until you arrive at your location to make cell phone calls.
What are the consequences for stealing?
Legal consequences for theft usually include:
Criminal fines
, which are usually proportionate to the amount stolen; higher theft amounts may result in greater fines. Jail or prison sentences, which may increase or decrease in severity according to the amount stolen. Restitution for some theft cases.
How do you discipline a child who lies and steals?
- Take Action Now. If you discover money or other items missing, or your child has something in their possession that cannot be accounted for, act immediately. …
- Just the facts, ma’am. …
- Assume guilt. …
- Remove temptation. …
- Shape the social scene. …
- Consider counseling.
How can you tell a kleptomaniac?
- 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.