Kleptomania

An impulse control disorder that results in an irresistible urge to steal.

The cause of kleptomania remains unknown but risk factors include a family history of kleptomania or other impulse control disorders. It occurs more often in women.

Kleptomania is a serious disorder that causes an irresistible urge to steal items that aren’t needed and are usually of little value. Consequences can include job loss, financial penalties, and trouble with the law.

No cure exists. But treatment with talk therapy and medication, such as antidepressants, may help end the cycle of compulsive stealing.

 

Cluster Number:
Wiki Number: W110
Diagnosis: Kleptomania
US Patients:
World Patients:
Sex Ratio:
Age Onset:
Brain Area:
Symptoms: Urge to steal items for other than personal use or financial gain; an impulse control disorder
Progression:
Causes: increased dopamine and serotonin flows may result; maybe like an obsessive-compulsive disorder
Medications: SSRIs, mood stabilizers, opioid receptor antagonists, and antidepressants; naltrexone
Therapies: CBT

Youtube Video: Shoplifiting Addiction/Kleptomaniacs

and Shoplifters Anonymous

Amazon or Library Book: Why Usually Honest People Steal

Click the book to link or buy from Amazon.

4 CURRENT ARTICLES
FROM PUBMED

The world-wide medical research
reports chosen for each diagnosis 

Clicking each title opens the
PubMed article’s summary-abstract.

  • Factors Associated With Child and Youth Mental Health Readmissions From a US National Database
    by W David Lohr on November 18, 2024

    CONCLUSION: A concerning number of children admitted for MH conditions in 2019 were readmitted within 30 days (7.8%). Younger children, children with specific MH diagnoses, children with public health insurance, and children with a long initial length of stay have higher odds for readmission and represent a target for prevention and intervention.

  • UNDERSTANDING THE PREVALENCE OF GAMBLING IN NIGERIA: A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION
    by N K Orjinta on November 14, 2024

    CONCLUSIONS: The study shows the notable prevalence of gambling in Nigeria and highlights its associations with sociodemographic factors, perceptions, and patterns of gambling which should be considered in strategies to mitigate gambling-related problems. This research bridges gaps by incorporating data from diverse geopolitical zones, providing a more representative population study.

  • Mild behavioural impairment in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review
    by Ruan-Ching Yu on November 11, 2024

    Behavioural symptoms are common manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD). Early behavioural symptoms characterise mild behavioural impairment (MBI). The prevalence and intensity of MBI in people with PD (PwP) have been studied across various cohorts. However, methodological differences have obscured our understanding of MBI in these individuals. This systematic review examines and synthesises findings from relevant studies, enhancing understanding of the symptoms and implications of MBI in PD....

  • Acceptance-Enhanced Behavior Therapy for Trichotillomania in Youth
    by Julie Petersen on November 11, 2024

    Trichotillomania is a debilitating and chronic condition involving repeated hair pulling from various areas of the body. Trichotillomania often begins in childhood, suggesting that the development and understanding of treatments for trichotillomania in youth are of utmost importance, especially for successful early intervention. While habit reversal training (HRT) is considered the gold standard treatment for trichotillomania in young people, this article reviews a nascent treatment approach for...