Kleptomania
A condition involving recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal items not needed for personal use or monetary value.
Overview
Kleptomania involves recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal items that are not needed for personal use or monetary value, along with a sense of tension before the act and relief or gratification during or after it.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include a rising sense of tension before stealing and relief afterward, distinct from theft driven by need, anger, or delusional beliefs. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. It shares features with impulse-control and obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy may help address the underlying urge and associated tension-relief cycle.
Medication
Certain medications may be considered in some cases, generally alongside psychotherapy. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Kleptomania
Identifying triggers and building alternative coping strategies can help reduce urges over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Treatment response varies, but many people experience reduced frequency of episodes with sustained treatment.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.