Kleptomania, which is known by many people and is not very common in society , is a psychological disorder that occurs when a person cannot control his impulses and wants to steal things even though he does not need them and gets pleasure from this action. It is necessary to get support from psychologists or psychiatrists specialized in this disease. In the absence of support, it can last a lifetime, and problems may arise in the person's family and friendship relationships, social life and work environment.
People who steal are called kleptomaniacs. These people usually do this in places where people are crowded, in stores, markets and shopping centers. In some cases, the person may also steal from family members or friends. In such cases, the person is afraid of getting support and does not want to share this situation with anyone. Although there is no one hundred percent solution to this disease, these urges can be suppressed with psychotherapy methods and medication.
What are the Symptoms of Kleptomania?
Patients may experience intense emotions during and after the act of stealing. The person may enjoy this situation or experience a sense of regret. The symptoms of this disease are as follows;
- Irresistible impulses to steal items that the person will not use and does not need
- Difficulty in controlling these urges
- Feelings of tension, anxiety and fear when the urge to steal arises
- Relaxation, pleasure and satisfaction during the act of playing
- The subsequent feelings of regret, guilt and shame and anger towards oneself
- Fear of being caught
- The person experiences these urges again and repeats the same action
What Causes Kleptomania?
Although the cause of this disease is not known exactly, it is thought to be related to some physical factors and psychological diseases. The conditions that are thought to be factors in the formation of kleptomania are as follows;
- There is a neurotransmitter substance called serotonin in the human brain. Serotonin level affects human vitality, mood and emotions. When this level is low, people have difficulty controlling their impulses.
- The feeling of stealing can be effective in the formation of another neurotransmitter substance called dopamine. Since dopamine produces certain pleasurable feelings in humans, kleptomaniacs may want these feelings to repeat themselves.
- The opioid system in the brain regulates and controls impulses. If there is a problem with this system, it can lead to negative effects on impulse control.
- People with brain trauma are likely to have this condition.
- It can be seen in people with psychological problems such as depression, obsessions, personality disorders.
- Diseases such as epilepsy, dementia or side effects of certain medications can also increase the risk of the disease in the person.
Who Suffers from Kleptomania?
This disease can often start in adolescence or young adulthood. However, it can also start in adults or in later periods. It is more common in women than in men. It is also more likely to be seen in people who have this disease in their family. If there is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the family, if there are people with substance addiction or alcohol addiction, there is a risk of kleptomania.
How is kleptomania treated?
People with this disorder do not want to get too much support because they feel fear or shame. In the absence of support, the likelihood of spontaneous resolution and reduction of this disorder is very low. The person has difficulty overcoming it on his/her own and needs psychological support. Kleptomania is a treatable psychological illness. It is necessary to apply a personalized treatment. This is a disorder in which impulses cannot be controlled and the underlying psychological causes are effective. Medications can be given to regulate the impulse state disorder. Psychotherapy methods are also effective in suppressing the emotions experienced by the person.