What is kleptomania disorder? Causes, symptoms and treatment methods **Kleptomania** or pathological theft disorder (theft mania) is a type of mental disorder that makes a person involved in an uncontrollable desire to steal worthless or unnecessary objects. Unlike deliberate theft that is done with prior intentions, this behavior in people with kleptomania is caused by an inability to control impulses. In many cases, a person feels guilt, shame and regret after stealing, but is still unable to stop this behavior. Stolen objects are usually left unused, stored or even thrown away. Kleptomania disorder often occurs simultaneously with other mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. This disorder requires specialized diagnosis and treatment. In this article from the Pirouzi Psychology Clinic website, we will have a closer look at the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of this disorder.

### What is kleptomania disorder? If you or someone around you steals continuously without financial motivation, you may have kleptomania. Unlike normal thieves who steal on purpose and for profit, people with this disorder have a sudden and uncontrollable temptation to steal. In most cases, stolen items are worthless to the individual and are usually hidden, donated, or even thrown away. This urge may get stronger or weaker over time, but it usually doesn't go away without treatment. The exact cause of kleptomania is still unknown, but research suggests that an imbalance of serotonin in the brain may play an important role. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate emotions and control behavior. Also, the act of stealing causes the release of dopamine, which creates a feeling of pleasure and encourages the person to repeat this behavior. In some cases, this disorder is hereditary. In families with a history of obsessive compulsive disorder or kleptomania, the probability of infection is higher. Recognizing and treating kleptomania can help control this behavior and improve quality of life. Symptoms of Kleptomania To better understand the disorder of kleptomania, it is necessary to know its symptoms. Common symptoms include: - **Inability to control the temptation to steal**: A person cannot resist the strong desire to steal unnecessary things. - **Increasing tension before theft**: Before theft, a person feels anxious or excited. **Feeling of momentary pleasure**: When stealing, a person experiences a temporary sense of peace and satisfaction. - **Pain of conscience after theft**: After theft, feelings of shame, guilt and fear of arrest appear. - **Repeatability of behavior**: The cycle of theft is repeated and the person turns to theft many times. - **Unrelated to anger or delusion**: Unlike intentional theft, this behavior is not due to anger, delusion or delusion. - **Connection with other disorders is rejected**: Stealing behavior cannot be explained by disorders such as conduct disorder, mania or antisocial personality disorder. Most people with this disorder have other mental problems such as depression or anxiety. Guilt from theft may also create new psychological problems or exacerbate symptoms. Why are some people tempted to steal without need? Unlike theft for profit or financial need, kleptomania has nothing to do with financial motivation. People with this disorder steal items simply under the influence of an uncontrollable impulse. Interestingly, the material value of these items is usually insignificant and may not be used at all. Some hide them and don't go to them anymore, others give them away or secretly return them to the place of theft. Theft in this disorder usually occurs without prior planning. Being in a store or public space may suddenly create a strong temptation to steal. Although this impulse is sometimes restrained, it returns over time and the cycle repeats itself. prevalence of kleptomania disorder; A rare but significant statistic Kleptomania is a relatively rare disorder, but among people arrested for shoplifting, between 4 and 24 percent have the disorder. In the general population, its prevalence is estimated at 0.3 to 0.6% (Association, 2013). The interesting thing is that women suffer from this disorder three times more than men. The reason for this difference is not yet clear and needs more research. treatment of kleptomania disorder; Medicine and psychotherapy Treatment of kleptomania is usually a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Two common methods are: ### **1. Medicines** Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or antidepressants can help control impulses and reduce symptoms. ### **2. Psychotherapy** Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy method for kleptomania. This method helps a person identify thoughts and behaviors that trigger theft and find healthy alternatives for them. Therapy teaches a person how to recognize impulses and understand why they respond to them. Treating co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety is also an important part of the treatment process. Early intervention and effective treatment prevent psychological and legal consequences. last word Disorders such as kleptomania disorder can disturb a person's life in different dimensions. These behaviors not only harm others, but also involve the person's own psyche. Recognizing the symptoms of robbery insanity and seeing a psychiatrist is the first step to control this problem. If you or one of your loved ones is facing the symptoms of kleptomania, **Piriz Clinic** is ready to accompany you on the road to recovery with the help of a specialized team and effective treatment methods such as drug therapy and CBT. Through the clinic's support, you can begin treatment and return to a healthier life. Or book online using the link below. Reservation of consultation time

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