Kleptomania

Generality

Kleptomania is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the recurrent inability to resist the urge to steal.

The clinical picture is rather complex. The person with kleptomania commits a theft because of the inability to resist a compelling desire; therefore, the act of stealing is not motivated by anger, financial difficulties, delusional ideas or other justifications.

Usually, the objects stolen by the kleptomaniac have no personal use or commercial value, so much so that they are often given away, thrown away or returned secretly. Only in certain cases, those suffering from kleptomania keep the stolen goods and can be pushed to steal specific items.
The patient suffering from kleptomania does not plan the theft and carries it out without the complicity of someone, paying attention not to be arrested. The act of stealing is preceded by a feeling of increasing tension, accompanied by pleasure; once the gesture is done, relief and gratification follow.
However, as happens in similar disorders, when the subject realizes the "nonsense of the act", profound feelings of guilt, remorse, concern and disapproval for their actions follow.
However, despite the good intentions not to repeat this action, the cycle tends to repeat itself indefinitely, without the kleptomaniac being able to interrupt it.
The diagnosis of kleptomania is difficult and often goes unnoticed. Over time, however, the condition can cause legal, family, professional, and personal difficulties.
Kleptomania can benefit from antidepressant drug therapies (SSRIs) and / or mood stabilizers, which help control impulsivity. In any case, the treatment of choice is cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, which usually manages to reduce symptoms effectively.