COM 209: Communication Psychology - Kleptomania

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.