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.

  • Borderline personality disorder in Trichotillomania and skin picking disorder: a survey study
    by Jon E Grant on December 19, 2024

    CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest relatively high rates of borderline personality disorder in people with BFRBs, in turn linked to more severe psychopathology and elevated lifetime suicide attempt risk. Perhaps the comorbidity with borderline personality disorder reflects a possible subtype of these behaviors that is more impulsive and may necessitate different treatment approaches.

  • An assessment of cryptocurrencies as a global commercial determinant of health
    by Nathan Davies on December 17, 2024

    Through the commercial determinants of health framework, gambling has been identified as a powerful threat to health. This research critically examines cryptocurrency, which is promoted and sold as a highly gamblified product. Using the commercial determinants of health framework, the multifaceted ways in which cryptocurrency firm operations may impact health outcomes are highlighted. Political influence is exerted through substantial donations, with high-profile cases illustrating the sector's...

  • How Problem Gambling Shapes Activities of Daily Living: A Narrative Inquiry
    by Jazmin Carranza on December 11, 2024

    CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Occupational therapists are well positioned to help clients with addictive behaviors. This study has the potential to inform occupational therapy practitioners who work with people experiencing PG.

  • Gambling harms, stigmatisation and discrimination: A qualitative naturalistic forum analysis
    by Katy Penfold on December 10, 2024

    People who experience gambling harms commonly experience stigmatisation, which is detrimental to psychological wellbeing, and a significant barrier to help-seeking. While there have been efforts to challenge stigmatisation, there is little empirical evidence available to inform such initiatives. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a thematic analysis of naturalistic data in the form of posts made on online support forums by people with experience of gambling-related harm, in order to...