Kleptomania

About Kleptomania

Kleptomania is characterized by recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. There is an increasing sense of tension immediately before the theft and pleasure, gratification or relief at the time of committing it. The stealing is not done to express anger or revenge, is not in response to a delusion or hallucination, and is not better explained by conduct disorder, a manic episode or antisocial personality disorder. Stolen items are often given away, discarded, hoarded or secretly returned. People with kleptomania usually know the behavior is wrong and often feel guilt, shame and fear of being caught. DSM-5 classifies it among the disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders. The condition is considered rare, and most people who shoplift do not have kleptomania. It appears to be diagnosed more often in women and frequently co occurs with mood, anxiety, eating and substance use disorders. The term emerged in European psychiatric writing in the early nineteenth century. Because of shame and legal concerns, few people seek treatment, and research is limited. Approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy using techniques such as covert sensitization and exposure with response prevention, and medications that have been studied include the opioid antagonist naltrexone to reduce urges.