To steal or not to steal?
First coined by French psychiatrists, Esquirol and Marc in the 19th century, kleptomania is one of the rare disorders associated with impulses to steal items that are not required for personal use or their monetary value and repeated failure to resist those impulses. Individuals will feel increasing tension just before stealing and an immediate sense of pleasure or gratification on committing the theft. Sometimes people hoard the items or return the object right away as it has little value to them. Often beginning in adolescence, its prevalence in the general population is about 0.3% – 0.6%, occurring more in females than males.
Due to the nature of this disorder, people may face legal, occupational, and family problems. Being aware of the dangers of getting apprehended, such people try to avoid the urge to steal, especially when an arrest is possible, and often feel in the wrong or depressed. Although kleptomania can occur alone, it can be associated with depressive or bipolar disorders and compulsive buying.
Symptoms
The key symptoms associated with kleptomania are
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Recurrent failure to combat the urge to steal objects with no monetary value or such items that are not needed for personal use.
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Experiencing escalating tension right before the theft and a feeling of gratification later on or during the act of stealing.
To understand the symptoms correctly, we must know that people with kleptomania do not steal out of anger or vengeance, or because of any hallucination or delusion. The theft is not preplanned and is performed alone, without an accomplice, distinguishing it from ordinary shoplifting. Occurring typically in three courses- sporadic, episodic, and chronic, this disorder may continue for years even though the person may have been arrested for shoplifting several times.
Treatment
Neurotransmitter systems, for instance, those related to serotonin and dopamine systems, are involved in kleptomania. Therefore, medications are required along with psychotherapy to treat this disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy works to rectify thoughts and behaviours associated with stealing.
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About the Author.
Ishita Jain is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.