Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by a recurrent, irresistible urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or monetary value. The act of stealing is often driven by tension relief or a sense of gratification, rather than material necessity.
Key Points:
- Symptoms & Behaviors:
- Persistent temptation to steal items of little or no value.
- Feelings of tension or anxiety before theft, followed by relief or pleasure afterward.
- Subsequent remorse, guilt, or shame, leading to a cycle of impulsivity.
- Underlying Factors: May be linked to neurotransmitter imbalances (particularly involving dopamine), co-occurring psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use), or childhood trauma.
- Differential Diagnosis: Distinct from ordinary theft (where there is clear monetary or utilitarian motive) or shoplifting motivated by need or greed.
- Treatment: Often includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), impulse control training, and sometimes medication (e.g., SSRIs or mood stabilizers) to address underlying mood or anxiety issues.
