Kleptomania- Compulsive stealing

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Kleptomania is a strange disorder, where an individual is unable to resist the impulses of stealing. A person with such a disorder is compelled to steal even little things of minimal value like paper clips, small toys, any stationary...etc. Some may not be aware that they have committed the theft until someone knocks at their back and warns them.

Psychiatrist's claim that majority of kleptomaniacs have preferences to certain items only like a key chain or a pair of shoes. They do not take away things contemplating the value of the items. United States and United Kingdom judicial courts does not accept kleptomania as a defense although the disorder is claimed to be uncontrollable and an act done without realization. To know more here are some of its cause, symptoms, treatment and medication.

Cause

A statistics states the most kleptomaniacs are women. Their average age is about 35 and the duration of illness is roughly for 16 years. Some reports claim that the onset of kleptomania may be at the early age of five, while some say that it begins in late adolescence to the mid 20's and may sometimes remain undetected for years. However there is no hard core cause for kleptomania. There is indirect evidence linking it with abnormalities in the brain chemical serotonin. Stressors such as major losses may also precipitate kleptomaniac behavior. It usually becomes a chronic illness if persons indulge in repeated thefts over decades.

Symptoms

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• The individual cannot resist the temptation to steal objects that are not needed for personal use.
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• Increasing heart beat or tension just before committing the theft.
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• A sense of relief or pleasure at the time of committing the theft.
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• Stealing without any response to hallucinations.
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• The stealing is not committed in retaliation, anger or vengeance.
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Treatment and Medication

Kleptomania is very easy to treat. One of the first step is to find another occupation to replace the stealing activity. It is also very important to make the patient realize that others are harmed by the stealing activities. Other most practiced treatments are psycho-analysis, behavior modification therapy, individual psychotherapy and family therapy. Some of the medication's frequently used are fluvoxamine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, lithium, valproate, sertraline, trazodone and prozac (an antidepressant that boosts levels of serotonin).

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.