Kleptomania
A recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal items not needed for personal use or monetary value, accompanied by rising tension before theft and relief afterward.
Prevalence: Estimated about 0.3-0.6% in the general population; likely underreported.
Common Symptoms
- Recurrent urges to steal unneeded items
- Increasing tension before stealing
- Pleasure or relief during/after theft
- Stealing not motivated by anger or vengeance
- Stealing not explained by delusions/hallucinations
- Shame or guilt after theft
- Difficulty controlling impulses
- Repeated shoplifting incidents
- Concealing behavior from family
- Functional impairment or legal consequences
Risk Factors
- Family history of addiction
- Comorbid mood disorders
- Female gender
- High impulsivity
- History of trauma
- Substance use
Treatment Approaches
- CBT for impulse control
- Habit reversal and response prevention
- Motivational interviewing
- Relapse prevention planning
- Family therapy
- Medication in selected cases (SSRIs or opioid antagonists)
- Legal and psychosocial support
Self-Help & Natural Approaches
- Urge logging
- Delay-and-distract techniques
- Avoid trigger environments
- Accountability check-ins
- Stress reduction routines
- Exercise
- Mindfulness practice
- Values-based decision making
- Financial/legal counseling
- Support groups
When to Seek Professional Help
- Repeated theft episodes
- Legal consequences emerging
- Unable to resist urges
- Severe guilt or depression
- Relationship trust breakdown
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264
- Local behavioral health crisis lines
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.