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.
Is stealing a condition?
Kleptomania is a mental disorder characterised by an uncontrolled and obsessive impulse to steal. In psychiatry it is considered as an impulse control disorder, which means the person with the disorder has problems resisting the temptation to perform acts which are harmful to either themselves or others.
Can Stealing be 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.
Is stealing 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.
What causes someone to steal?
Stealing may be caused by jealousy , low self-esteem, or peer-pressure. Social issues like feeling excluded or overlooked can also cause stealing. People may steal to prove their independence, to act out against family or friends, or because they don’t respect others or themselves.
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 of 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 treat compulsive stealing?
Although there’s no cure for kleptomania, treatment with medication or talk therapy (psychotherapy) may help to end the cycle of compulsive stealing.
Can I call the police if my child is stealing from me?
It’s important to note that parents typically do not have a legal obligation to report their child to the police. ... Children can call the police on their parents for committing criminal acts if they choose to do so. There you have it; parents can legally call the police on their kids if they steal something from them.
What do you do if you catch someone stealing?
- Make sure you see the person take the item. ...
- Confront the shoplifter. ...
- Ask the shoplifter to accompany you back to the store office. ...
- Balance the risks. ...
- Use reasonable force to detain the shoplifter. ...
- Call the police.
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.
How often do kleptomaniacs steal?
How common is kleptomania? Although shoplifting is common, true kleptomania is quite rare (0.3 to 0.6 percent of the general population). It has been estimated that between 4 and 24 percent of shoplifters have kleptomania .
What do you call a person who steals things?
What does thief mean? A thief is a person who steals, especially in secret and without using force or violence. The plural of thief is thieves. The related noun theft refers to the act or an instance of stealing. In general, intentionally taking something that doesn’t belong to you makes you a thief.
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 can I help someone with 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.
How do I stop myself from shoplifting?
- Be aware of at-risk items. ...
- Train your staff to watch for theft. ...
- Publicize the consequences of stealing. ...
- Pay attention to dressing rooms. ...
- Engage with customers. ...
- Schedule appropriately. ...
- Install cameras and mirrors.
