Kleptomania is a medical condition characterized by an intense urge to steal. Kleptomaniacs steal things due primarily to an urge and uncontrollable impulse. Most often, the items they steal may be of trivial value.
Kleptomania is considered a type of addictive behavior that is commonly found in people suffering from other mental disorders or personality disorders. Most kleptomaniacs exhibit anxiety symptoms, depression and panic attack symptoms, and panic disorder symptoms. Treating anxiety symptoms helps in reducing kleptomaniac tendencies.
Kleptomania does not have one specific treatment. While some cases are treated with drugs, others are treated with cognitive or behavioral therapy. Some of the medications used in the treatment of kleptomania are mood stabilizers that work to combat anxiety attacks.
Benzodiazepines, antidepressants used for depression treatment, antiseizure medication, and addiction medication are also used to treat kleptomania.
Therapeutic treatment of kleptomania involves systematic desensitization, aversion therapy, and covert sensitization. While a combination of the above drugs and therapies helps in reducing or completely eliminating kleptomaniac tendencies, one needs to be alert to identify relapses so that immediate treatment can be sought.
For more information on kleptomania, see below:
Reported Signs of Kleptomania
Kleptomania: Top Five Symptoms
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