I
n my first year in university, we had a girls’ night to celebrate our first-year exams. While we were having fun, someone stole the iPod we had used for our jamming session. And because I was the voluntary DJ, me and my bestie were accused of stealing it. Long story short, we were vindicated when the culprit was found. Surprisingly, she was a rich kid but was notorious for pilfering. Why did she do it? Kleptomania. Have you ever wondered what drives someone to steal items they don’t need or want? Or the internal struggle of feeling an overwhelming urge to steal despite knowing it’s wrong?
What is kleptomania?
Kleptomania is classified as an impulse control disorder, meaning it involves a struggle to resist impulsive urges to engage in certain behaviors. In this case, the behavior is stealing items that are typically of little or no value to the individual. The stolen objects may be kept, discarded, or given away, often without any apparent logical reason.
Before committing the steal, kleptomaniacs frequently feel stressed or anxious, and afterward, they typically feel relieved or satisfied. But this experience is fleeting and it is often followed by shame and regret, which sets off a vicious cycle of mental suffering. Repeated thefts can harm relationships. This could lead to legal issues and a bad impact on a person’s self-esteem.
Causes of kleptomania
Although the precise cause of kleptomania is unknown, it is thought to be due to a confluence of biological, psychological, and environmental variables. Serotonin, which is involved in mood regulation and impulse control, is one neurotransmitter that may be out of balance in this condition.
Since those with the disorder may try to conceal their conduct out of shame or concern for legal repercussions, diagnosing kleptomania can be difficult. To distinguish kleptomania from other disorders like conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or straightforward theft for personal gain, a thorough assessment by a mental health expert is required.
Symptoms of kleptomania
- Repeated incidents of theft: Kleptomaniacs tend to steal things that are usually of little or no worth to them. The thefts frequently happen on the spur of the moment.
- Stress before stealing: The person may experience mounting stress, worry, or overwhelming want to steal before carrying out the act.
- Comfort following theft: When someone steals, they could feel momentary comfort or pleasure. However, this relaxation is fleeting and is frequently followed by regret, remorse, or other negative feelings.
- Lack of rational motivation: Unlike regular stealing, kleptomaniacs don’t steal for monetary gain, retaliation, or to satisfy a particular need. Stealing is motivated by a subconscious psychological urge.
- Feeling helpless: Kleptomaniacs frequently describe feeling helpless to resist the impulse to steal even when they are aware of the repercussions and want to stop.
- Repetitive behavior: Kleptomania is characterized by a pattern of recurrent episodes of theft that may last for a long time and cause distress and impairment in daily life.
Check out 9 proven ways to manage kleptomania…
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy are commonly used approaches. CBT helps individuals identify triggers, learn coping strategies, and develop more adaptive behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy explores underlying emotional issues contributing to the stealing behavior.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the urges and impulses associated with kleptomania. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to regulate serotonin levels in the brain and potentially reduce the urge to steal.
- Participate in support groups: Participating in support groups or group therapy sessions with others who have kleptomania can provide a safe environment for sharing experiences and coping strategies.
- Make lifestyle changes: Adopting a structured and positive daily routine, including regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management, can contribute to better emotional regulation and reduce stealing impulses.
- Avoid triggers: Identifying and avoiding situations or places that may trigger the urge to steal can help manage kleptomania.
- Improve your financial planning: Learning financial management skills can reduce feelings of desperation that might lead to stealing.
- Be accountable: Being accountable to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you stay on track with your efforts to manage kleptomania.
- Be self–aware: Developing self-awareness and mindfulness techniques can aid in recognizing and managing the early signs of tension or anxiety that precede stealing impulses.
- Engage in alternative activities: Finding healthy and fulfilling activities, such as hobbies, creative pursuits, or volunteer work, can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that may reduce the desire to steal.
Does it get better?
Although kleptomania can be a chronic disorder, the symptoms can be effectively managed and treated, which will result in a marked decrease in instances of theft. Some people may experience sporadic instances of the drive to steal, while others may experience a gradual decline or even a complete cessation.
Case studies have demonstrated that kleptomania can be successfully managed. These people can develop coping mechanisms and impulse control techniques to thwart the want to steal through a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Success tales frequently feature people who have successfully controlled their impulsive behavior and experience meaningful lives. These incidents highlight the value of prompt treatment, continuous care, and continued assistance from family members, friends, and support groups. But it’s important to keep in mind that each person’s experience with kleptomania is distinct and treatment outcomes may vary. While some people may need lifelong care and treatment, others may notice a considerable improvement in their symptoms and impulse control.
If you or someone you know is struggling with kleptomania, seeking professional help and support is crucial in understanding the specific circumstances and developing a tailored treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
Featured image: Professor25/iStock
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