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Kleptomania
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionKleptomania is an overwhelming urge to steal. The things stolen are not needed for personal use or value. This is a rare condition. CausesThe cause is unknown. Chemical imbalances in the brain may play a role.
Risk FactorsKleptomania appears to be more common in females than in males. This condition often occurs with other mental health problems. These include:
Other things that may raise the risk are:
SymptomsKleptomania differs from regular theft. The person does not steal on purpose. Symptoms are:
DiagnosisA mental health doctor will ask about your symptoms. Kleptomania is diagnosed when:
TreatmentThe goal is to stop the behavior. Underlying problems may also need treatment. Options may be:
PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent kleptomania. RESOURCES:American Psychiatric Association https://www.psychiatry.org Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org References:Antidepressant medication overview. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/drug-review/antidepressant-medication-overview. Accessed March 9, 2021. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association; 2013. Shoplifting and suicide. Dana Foundation website. Available at: https://www.dana.org/article/shoplifting-and-suicide/. Accessed March 9, 2021. Zhang ZH, Huang FR, et al. Kleptomania: recent advances in symptoms, etiology and treatment. Curr Med Sci. 2018;38(5):937-940. Last reviewed January 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 03/09/2021 | |