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Questions and Answers
Kleptomania can only start in young adulthood or later.
Kleptomania can only start in young adulthood or later.
False
One-third of people with kleptomania are women.
One-third of people with kleptomania are women.
False
Having a family history of kleptomania can reduce the risk of developing the disorder.
Having a family history of kleptomania can reduce the risk of developing the disorder.
False
People with kleptomania are less likely to have another mental illness.
People with kleptomania are less likely to have another mental illness.
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Left untreated, kleptomania can result in minor emotional and financial problems.
Left untreated, kleptomania can result in minor emotional and financial problems.
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Kleptomania is completely preventable.
Kleptomania is completely preventable.
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Compulsive gambling is not associated with kleptomania.
Compulsive gambling is not associated with kleptomania.
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Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are not complications of kleptomania.
Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are not complications of kleptomania.
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Kleptomania can only occur in people with a family history of the disorder.
Kleptomania can only occur in people with a family history of the disorder.
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Getting treatment as soon as compulsive stealing begins can prevent kleptomania from becoming worse.
Getting treatment as soon as compulsive stealing begins can prevent kleptomania from becoming worse.
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Study Notes
Definition and Symptoms of Kleptomania
- Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder characterized by the repeated inability to resist urges to steal items that are not needed and have little value.
- Symptoms include:
- Inability to resist powerful urges to steal items not needed
- Feeling increased tension, anxiety, or provocation leading up to the theft
- Feeling pleasure, relief, or satisfaction while stealing
- Feeling terrible guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame, or fear of arrest after the theft
Characteristics of Kleptomania
- Unlike typical shoplifters, people with kleptomania do not steal for personal gain, on a dare, for revenge, or out of rebellion.
- Episodes of kleptomania generally occur spontaneously, usually without planning and without help or cooperation from another person.
- Stolen items are usually stockpiled away, never to be used, and may be donated, given away, or secretly returned to the place from which they were stolen.
Causes of Kleptomania
- The cause of kleptomania is not known, but several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of the disorder.
- Possible causes include:
- Problems with the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate moods and emotions
- Addictive disorders, as stealing may cause the release of dopamine, leading to pleasurable feelings
- Imbalance in the brain's opioid system, which regulates urges
- Childhood experiences, such as being spoiled or deprived, which can lead to possessiveness and selfishness in adulthood
Risk Factors
- Kleptomania is considered uncommon, and some cases may never be diagnosed.
- Risk factors include:
- Family history of kleptomania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or substance use disorder
- Having another mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorder, or personality disorder
Complications and Prevention
- Left untreated, kleptomania can result in severe emotional, family, work, legal, and financial problems.
- Complications may include:
- Other impulse-control disorders, such as compulsive gambling or shopping
- Substance misuse
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts
- Prevention is uncertain, but getting treatment as soon as compulsive stealing begins may help prevent kleptomania from becoming worse and prevent some of the negative consequences.
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Description
Learn about Kleptomania, a rare mental health disorder characterized by the repeated inability to resist urges to steal items of little value. Understand its impact on emotional well-being and relationships.
