What is addiction to stealing (kleptomania)?

Kleptomania is a psychological disorder, characterized by a recurring need to steal, not driven by personal need or financial gain. People experience an irresistible impulse to take items, often of little value, followed by a feeling of relief or pleasure.

Kleptomania is defined as an addiction due to its compulsive nature and the rewarding feeling after the deed, different from ordinary theft due to the lack of necessity or financial motive. Symptoms include repeatedly stealing, a strong urge to steal, and tension before the act. Causes and risk factors are a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.

It often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders and depression. Diagnosis requires careful assessment of behavior and exclusion of other causes. Treatments include therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication to treat related conditions such as anxiety or depression. Support groups also provide valuable assistance.

Untreated kleptomania can lead to personal, social, and legal consequences. Kleptomania, although relatively rare, is considered an impulse control or behavioral disorder and shows remarkable differences from substance addictions, especially in the treatment and recovery process. Rehabilitation centers play a role, especially in severe cases. Prevention is challenging, but early recognition of symptoms can help in managing the disorder.

What defines kleptomania as an addiction to stealing?

Kleptomania is an addiction where someone feels an irresistible urge to steal, even if the stolen items are worthless. The behavior follows a cycle of tension prior to the theft and relief afterward. However, this feeling is quickly replaced by guilt.

This behavior is typical of addictive behavior. Addiction, in general, is characterized by a pattern of repeated actions over which individuals have little control, despite negative consequences. Kleptomania shares these characteristics, with a powerful, irresistible urge to steal, followed by emotional highs and lows, and a pattern of compulsive behavior with potential relapses.

Kleptomania is specifically classified as the most compulsive variant of stealing behavior, often associated with mood disorders and affective spectrum disorder. This distinguishes kleptomania from ordinary theft, which is about practical or monetary value. The inability to resist the urge, despite knowing it’s wrong, emphasizes the compulsive and addictive nature of kleptomania.

According to research by McElroy, Hudson, Pope, & Keck (1991), kleptomania may be related to mood disorders and belong to affective spectrum disorder, further emphasizing the complex psychopathology behind this addiction.

How does kleptomania differ from ordinary theft or shoplifting?

Due to the recurring, irresistible urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or financial gain, kleptomania differs from ordinary theft or shoplifting. It is driven by internal tension and relief rather than profit.

Kleptomania is considered a psychiatric disorder in impulse control. Ordinary theft or shoplifting is usually motivated by external factors, such as need or gain. Studies show that kleptomania differs as it involves impulsive, unplanned thefts where the perpetrator feels intense anxiety or tension before the act, followed by relief or satisfaction afterward, despite possible negative consequences.

Kleptomania patients are often aware of their problem and feel guilt or shame, but cannot control their urge, which is rarely the case with ordinary theft or shoplifting. Ordinary thefts or shoplifting are often rationally justified by the perpetrator, whereas kleptomania is linked to mental health issues and a lack of impulse control, distinguishing it as a rare, but recognized mental disorder.

What are the main symptoms and behaviors of an addiction to stealing?

The main symptoms and behaviors of kleptomania are the irresistible urge to steal, not driven by financial necessity, intense excitement before theft, followed by relief during the act. However, this is followed by guilt, shame, and intense anxiety.

Kleptomania is characterized by recurring episodes of stealing, where the stolen items often have little personal or monetary value and are sometimes hidden or discarded. These acts are impulsive, with little to no planning, and differ from ordinary theft. The cycle of tension, theft, and then guilt leads to considerable stress and functional impairments.

Kleptomania often coincides with other mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and other compulsive disorders. The time frame from starting to steal and diagnosis can be short, indicating the intensity of symptoms. According to Grant and Chamberlain (2018), the severity of kleptomania symptoms is linked to the excitement associated with stealing, the concurrent occurrence of compulsive disorders, and a shorter time between starting to steal and diagnosis.

This underscores the complexity of kleptomania, where the urge to steal not only offers emotional relief but is also deeply intertwined with other psychological issues.

What causes kleptomania and who is at risk?

Kleptomania is caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors and mostly affects women. Research by McElroy, Hudson, Pope, and Keck (1991) shows that kleptomania often coincides with mood, anxiety, and eating disorders and indeed occurs more frequently in women.

Genetic predisposition plays a role; people with a family history of kleptomania are at higher risk. Psychologically, disruptions in brain chemistry regulating mood and impulse control are linked to kleptomania. Environmental factors, such as traumatic experiences or developmental disorders, also increase the chance of developing kleptomania.

These disruptions can make it harder to resist the urge to steal, which provides temporary relief or pleasure and reinforces the impulse. Kleptomania often occurs alongside other mental health disorders. Research shows that people with kleptomania are more likely to have mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and addictions, such as to substances or gambling.

These co-occurring disorders often make it harder to effectively treat kleptomania, as they all contribute to the complexity of impulse control.

Can kleptomania co-occur with other mental disorders?

Yes, kleptomania co-occurs with other mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and addictions, especially nicotine addiction. Additionally, there is a notable overlap with disorders such as bulimia nervosa and compulsive gambling. This comorbidity complicates treatment and increases the risk of suicide.

Research by Baylé, Caci, Millet, Richa, and Olié (2003) shows that patients with kleptomania have high comorbidity rates with psychiatric disorders.

How is kleptomania diagnosed by professionals?

Professionals diagnose kleptomania through a combination of clinical interviews and assessment against diagnostic criteria, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This process requires a thorough assessment of the person’s mental health history.

Also, the emotional experiences related to stealing objects must be established. The DSM-5 criteria for kleptomania include recurring impulses to steal objects that have no personal or economic value to the individual, growing tension before theft, and a feeling of satisfaction after stealing.

Professionals must exclude other possible causes, such as antisocial personality disorder, manic episodes, or financial necessity. Physical exams and psychological tests can also be part of the assessment to rule out other medical or psychiatric conditions.

Wiedemann, G. (1998) stresses that a careful assessment is needed to correctly diagnose kleptomania, specifically looking at the history of stealing and the motivation behind the behavior. Diagnosing kleptomania is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the person’s psychological state.

What treatment options are available for kleptomania?

Treatment options for kleptomania include psychotherapy, medication, and support programs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people break unhealthy thinking patterns. CBT uses techniques such as visualizing negative consequences, linking the urge to uncomfortable actions, and applying relaxation exercises.

Medication, like the opioid antagonist Naltrexone, can be effective; research by Grant, J., Kim, S., & Odlaug, B. (2009) shows that Naltrexone remarkably reduces the urge to steal and stealing behavior in adults with kleptomania and is well tolerated. Support programs offer additional help and a community of people facing similar challenges.

Therapies used in kleptomania include primarily CBT and sometimes other forms of talk therapy that help in recognizing and modifying behavioral patterns. Medications, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and specifically Naltrexone, can be effective in regulating mood and reducing the urge to steal. Support groups provide a platform to share experiences and strategies for managing the disorder.

Untreated kleptomania can lead to severe personal and legal consequences. Rehabilitation centers can offer intensive treatment, aimed at both kleptomania and any accompanying addiction problems. Learning prevention strategies such as healthy coping mechanisms, avoiding triggers, and building a supportive network is essential.

What types of therapy are used in treating kleptomania?

Therapies used in treating kleptomania include CBT, mindfulness, (graduated) exposure therapy, and response prevention or response inhibition. CBT helps people identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the urge to steal.

Mindfulness teaches them to be present in the moment, which helps reduce the tension that precedes stealing. (Graduated) exposure therapy gradually exposes them to situations that trigger the urge to steal, to reduce anxiety and urge. Response prevention focuses on resisting the urge to steal by practicing alternative responses.

Asami et al. (2022) support the use of CBT combined with mindfulness, which can be effective in improving symptoms and quality of life in kleptomania. These therapies offer skills to recognize triggers, challenge unhealthy thoughts, and develop coping strategies to resist the urge to steal.

Are medications effective against stealing addiction?

Yes, certain medications can be effective against stealing addiction. Research by Grant and Kim (2002) showed that Naltrexone reduces the urge to steal and stealing behavior, with positive results in both men and women with kleptomania.

Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, helps reduce the urge and pleasure associated with stealing, showing that some people can significantly benefit from this treatment. Studies point to the potential of SSRIs, which can reduce anxiety and related moods, indirectly reducing the tendency to steal. Although the effectiveness of SSRIs varies and is not specifically approved for kleptomania, clinical trials suggest individuals with kleptomania may benefit from these medications.

Mood stabilizers and other treatments also show promise in early studies, with some participants experiencing a decrease in stealing episodes. However, medication effectiveness can vary greatly from person to person, and successful treatment often requires a combination of medication, therapy, and ongoing monitoring.

In summary, while no single medication is specifically approved for kleptomania, research suggests that certain medications, including Naltrexone and SSRIs, show promise in reducing the symptoms of kleptomania. Careful evaluation and a tailored treatment approach are crucial for achieving improvement in kleptomania.

How Do Support Groups Help People with Kleptomania?

Support groups provide a safe space where individuals don’t feel isolated. By connecting with others experiencing the same struggle, it’s easier to learn specific skills needed to manage the compulsion to steal.

Regular meetings with peers help individuals stay motivated and committed to their recovery. In this supportive environment, participants feel comfortable being open, which helps reduce guilt and reinforces skills learned in therapy.

Support groups offer valuable encouragement and practical advice for dealing with temptations, fostering a non-judgmental attitude. This plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for people with kleptomania. Research by Asami et al. (2022) shows that cognitive restructuring therapy (CRT) combined with mindfulness can improve symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients with kleptomania.

This treatment helps in developing coping mechanisms and strengthening self-control, which are crucial for preventing relapse. Those with kleptomania learn from models that assist them in better managing their disorder, thereby building a supportive network essential for long-term recovery.

What Are the Consequences of Untreated Kleptomania?

Untreated kleptomania can lead to severe personal, legal, and financial problems, as described by Therese, K. (2024) in “Kleptomania Disorder” from The International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research. Untreated kleptomania increases the risk of persistent stealing, which can lead to arrests and imprisonment.

This behavior, regardless of underlying causes, results in significant emotional damage, including feelings of shame, isolation, and depression, reducing quality of life. Social relationships suffer from secrecy and stigma, which can erode trust and communication within families. Financially, consequences include fines, legal costs, and job loss, decreasing financial stability.

Moreover, untreated kleptomania can lead to other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, substance abuse, and impulse control disorders, and increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Reducing these negative consequences requires treatment to manage the urge to steal and address underlying emotions.

How Common Is Kleptomania in the General Population?

Kleptomania is considered rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.6 to 0.8% in the general population, with rates as high as 7.8% in clinical populations, according to research by Therese, K. (2024) in “Kleptomania Disorder. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research.”

This disorder, characterized by an irresistible urge to steal, affects both men and women, although studies show a higher prevalence among women. The onset of kleptomania typically occurs in adolescence or early adulthood. Despite its relatively low prevalence in the general population, the impact of kleptomania is substantial, with personal, legal, and social consequences for affected individuals.

Where Does Compulsive Stealing Fit Within the Broader Context of Behavioral Addictions?

Compulsive stealing overlaps with impulse control disorders and addictive behavior, fitting within the broader landscape of behavioral addictions. This condition is marked by a repeated urge to engage in stealing despite negative consequences.

A study by Asaoka et al. (2020) shows that individuals with behavioral addictions, such as kleptomania and paraphilias (abnormal sexual interests), often experience intense negative feelings due to a strong tendency toward anxiety and uncertainty. Kleptomania is viewed as both an impulse control problem and a behavioral addiction.

Behavioral addictions differ from substance addictions by focusing on the repetitive engagement in an action without substance use, yet share core features such as tension buildup before the behavior, followed by relief or satisfaction.

Despite these differences, both types of addictions respond to similar treatments, suggesting shared genetic and neurobiological factors. Increasingly, behavioral addictions are recognized as part of a spectrum of recurring, compulsive behavior patterns officially categorized in major diagnostic systems alongside other addictions.

Is Kleptomania Considered an Impulse Control Disorder or a Behavioral Addiction?

Kleptomania is considered an impulse control disorder as it is officially classified in major diagnostic manuals. This disorder is characterized by repeated actions stemming from an uncontrollable impulse to steal, with no rational motivation behind it.

However, kleptomania shares characteristics with behavioral addictions, such as compulsive engagement in an activity despite negative consequences, reduced resistance to act on the urge, and a sense of relief or pleasure after the act. Researchers and clinicians have noted similarities in underlying brain mechanisms and treatment responses between kleptomania and substance addiction, leading some to also consider it a form of addiction.

Nevertheless, it is primarily viewed as an impulse control disorder due to its psychiatric classification. Torales et al. (2021) emphasize that kleptomania is a neglected impulse control disorder with limited pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment options, highlighting the need for systematic studies on its clinical features and treatments.

How Do Behavioral Addictions Differ from Substance Addictions?

Behavioral addictions distinguish themselves from substance addictions by the absence of physical withdrawal symptoms and the emphasis on psychological dependence. Activities such as gambling or internet use affect the brain’s reward system and cause severe problems in daily functioning.

Grant, J., Potenza, M., Weinstein, A., & Gorelick, D. (2010) emphasize that behavioral addictions share many domains with substance addictions, supporting the proposed new category of Addiction and Related Disorders, which includes both substance use disorders and non-substance-related addictions.

Can a Rehab Clinic Help in Treating Kleptomania?

Yes, a rehab clinic can treat kleptomania by offering a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, which according to Mouta et al. (2022) reduces the negative consequences of kleptomania and can improve quality of life, although no specific treatment is available.

Rehab clinics provide a structured environment where patients can follow outpatient or inpatient programs, depending on the severity of their condition. These programs include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help address co-occurring issues such as substance abuse and other mental health problems.

Rehab clinics also offer support in monitoring progress and provide intensive treatment where patients attend scheduled sessions while residing in the clinic. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help individuals by reducing the urge to steal and addressing feelings of shame and secrecy, helping break the cycle of compulsive stealing.

Can Kleptomania Be Prevented?

Kleptomania cannot be completely prevented, but early intervention can reduce its severity and negative consequences. Studies show no reliable methods to prevent kleptomania, but early treatment with therapy and medication helps reduce its severity and negative impact.

Understanding the complex mix of psychological, emotional, and possibly biological factors is essential. Focusing on recognizing warning signs and identifying personal triggers and stressors can lead to better impulse control. Practicing stress management techniques and learning strategies to reduce tension are steps in managing the urge.

Increasing self-awareness and building a supportive network through open communication with loved ones and professionals can make coping with the disorder easier. Early recognition and addressing of risk factors, such as family history of addiction or impulse control disorders, can reduce the chance of developing kleptomania. Seeking professional help at the first signs of the disorder decreases the likelihood of severe consequences.

Are There Early Warning Signs for Developing a Theft Addiction?

Yes, early warning signs include repeated urges to steal, relief after the act, feelings of guilt, and no practical use for stolen items. Secrecy, repetition, and escalating tension indicate a problem. Early recognition and help can prevent addiction.

Grant and Kim (2002) found that people with kleptomania are often more curious, risk-avoiding, and less sensitive to reward. However, they found that their personality and upbringing during childhood are not linked to how severe their problem is.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Loved One Has Kleptomania?

If you suspect a loved one has kleptomania, encourage professional help, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medication. Provide emotional support without judgment, avoid harsh punishments, and help them adhere to treatment plans. Various studies recommend this approach.