What causes a person to be a kleptomaniac? How do you cure kleptomania? Kleptomania, known as stealing disease, is a psychological disorder that is classified as impulse control disorder. This disease, which has serious consequences for both patients and their relatives, can be controlled by using psychotherapy and drug therapies. Let’s look at the causes and symptoms of kleptomania in the text below.
What is Kleptomania?
The word Kleptomania comes from the root of Kleptes, which means thief in Greek. It can be defined as the urge to steal items that are not needed. This disease, which was first described in 1816 and entered the literature, took its current name in 1838. Unlike typical thieves, patients do not steal to gain personal gain, test their courage, take revenge, or draw attention. Patients with kleptomania cannot prevent it. Stealing attacks usually occur spontaneously, without planning and help from another person. They often steal in public places such as shops and supermarkets. Also, some can steal others’ belongings in friends or social environments such as parties and invitations.
Kleptomania Causes
The causes of kleptomania are not fully known. Several theories suggest that there may be changes in the origin of kleptomania, neurotransmitters which allow communication between nerve cells in the brain. Further research is needed to understand these possible causes. Kleptomania may occur due to the following conditions:
- Serotonin-related problems: There is a neurotransmitter substance called serotonin that is found in the brain. Serotonin helps to regulate mood and emotions. People who are predisposed to impulse control disorder have low levels of serotonin.
- Addiction disorders: Stealing can cause the release of another neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine causes feelings of reward and satisfaction, and some people want to experience this rewarding feeling over and over again.
- Disorders of the opioid system of the brain: Impulses are regulated by the opioid system of the brain. An imbalance in this system can make it harder to resist impulses.
Kleptomania Symptoms:
Symptoms of kleptomania may include:
- Inability to control strong impulses to steal unneeded items,
- Tension, anxiety or arousal sensation when impulses occur,
- Enjoyment, relaxation- or satisfaction while stealing,
- Feeling guilty, regretting, self-hating, ashamed or fear of arrest after stealing,
- Return of impulses and repetition of the kleptomania cycle.
The Characteristics Of Kleptomania
Most of the time, stolen goods have no value for a kleptomaniac, and in fact, the person can buy them. Stolen items are usually stored for non-use. Some even donate things they stole or give them to family members and friends. Some others secretly take them back to where they stole and leave them. The impulse to steal can come and go from time to time, or it may feel less or more intense over time. You should get psychological help if you have these symptoms and features. Most people are afraid to get help because of thinking they will be arrested or imprisoned. However, the physician adheres to the principle of patient confidentiality during the treatment process.
Kleptomania Treatment
If kleptomania left untreated, it can cause emotional, legal, and financial problems in private and business life. Although fear or embarrassment makes it difficult to get treatment for kleptomania, it is very significant to get help. Kleptomania is difficult to overcome by itself. Without treatment, kleptomania will remain a long-term condition. However, studies also show that the patient’s urge to steal may decrease with age. Treatment of kleptomania includes psychotherapy and medication. However, there are no standard kleptomania treatments, and research is still ongoing. A kleptomaniac may have to try several types of treatment to find out which type of treatment works best.
