In the modern world, almost every person suffers from various mental disorders. Stress, apathy, chronic fatigue syndrome and prolonged depression are highly prevalent among the inhabitants of our planet. Kleptomania is a word that everyone is familiar with, but few people know how this mental disorder manifests itself. In this article we will look at the main aspects associated with kleptomania, analyze the reasons for its occurrence and talk about treatment methods.
A kleptomaniac is a mentally ill person who has a morbid attraction to theft
What is kleptomania
Kleptomania
- This is a painful craving for committing thefts. At the same time, the goal of a kleptomaniac is not to own a stolen item: he only wants to “relieve tension” or enjoy the process itself.
That is why kleptomaniacs are distinguished by strange, at first glance, features of theft: for example, in a shoe store he can only take one shoe, which means that he does not need shoes at all, he just wants to steal something.
Kleptomania is infrequently diagnosed, and the true prevalence of the disease is unknown. After all, many patients do not want to tell the whole truth even to the doctor, so as not to spoil their reputation (especially if these are famous and respected people); kleptomania is also often feigned by real thieves in order to evade criminal liability.
But something was still established. American experts have found that kleptomaniacs make up 5% of shoplifters. And Canadian scientists have found that middle-aged women most often suffer from kleptomania.
Kleptomania is rare in childhood. It happens that children steal other people's things, but this is explained by other reasons: protest behavior, immaturity, immaturity of desires, and shortcomings in upbringing.
Kleptomania was first described in 1816. Then it was considered “monomania” - that’s what they called the patient’s hypothetical obsession with one particular object or action. Since then, the study of the true causes of kleptomania has progressed significantly, but even today scientists do not know everything about it.
Reasons for the development of the disorder
Kleptomania is one of the so-called impulse disorders. The causes of such diseases are still unknown, but it has been noted that they are systemic in nature, that is, they are accompanied by other disorders. Kleptomania is often combined with anxiety disorder, eating disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism and some other disorders.
The cause of kleptomania has been associated with endocrine system disorders, pregnancy or menstruation. It has been noticed that kleptomania activates or becomes more pronounced after some stressful situation.
It is known that some patients perceived the act of theft as something like moral compensation for the suffering they experienced, a kind of reward. Kleptolagnia is also known, a type of kleptomania in which theft becomes a means of compensating for sexual dissatisfaction. For example, a person needs an additional emotion (fear, anxiety), which increases sexual arousal, and for this he commits thefts.
In the common form of kleptomania, patients use fear to artificially stimulate the production of adrenaline, which increases dopamine levels. Subsequently, a conditioned reflex is established, a kind of addiction: the patient can receive pleasure only by performing certain actions, in this case theft.
Kleptomania can be one of the manifestations of pregnancy. In this situation, women generally tend to behave strangely, do ridiculous things, and express inappropriate thoughts and desires.
It is clear that during the examination, the specialist must take an individual approach to each patient.
Risk factors influencing the development of kleptomania
According to research data, the mental disorder in question can be caused by a malfunction of the endocrine system, which is temporary or permanent. Most often, such failures occur during gestation, with menstrual irregularities and during menopause. It is this fact that experts explain that women are more susceptible to kleptomania.
Often this disorder manifests itself due to the presence of complex emotional experiences or shocks. Considerable importance in this issue is given to traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy and stroke. According to medical statistics, people with the above diseases often show an irresistible urge to steal.
Kleptomania is an impulsive, irresistible desire to commit theft, in which the most interesting thing is not the object, but the process itself
The main symptoms of kleptomania
Of all the symptoms of kleptomania, it is customary to distinguish the obligatory “triad”
:
- Compulsive need to commit thefts.
- Getting pleasure from the action done.
- The appearance of a feeling of guilt some time after the act has been committed.
Kleptomania is cyclical. First there is tension; the patient ceases to enjoy all other activities, and the feeling of anxiety and restlessness increases. At the next stage, the patient commits an act of theft. The tension is replaced by an equally tangible relaxation and a feeling of satisfaction. At the next stage, relaxation and satisfaction disappear and are replaced by a feeling of guilt. Since the majority of kleptomaniacs are law-abiding people who live in accordance with public moral norms, the increasing feeling of guilt also gives rise to a feeling of anxiety and restlessness; Insomnia and a feeling of general internal tension increase. This is the beginning of a new cycle of kleptomania.
A patient suffering from kleptomania most often carries out his thefts in large shopping centers. But not always. Sometimes he steals from friends, acquaintances, and employees. Often an item may be so worthless that a kleptomaniac immediately throws it away. He may also try to give it to someone or return it to its place.
Most often, a patient suffering from kleptomania steals cosmetics, personal hygiene items (hairpins, combs, soap, etc.), stationery, clothing, food, especially sweets. Most often these are small things.
Kleptomania is also fraught with complications. A constant feeling of anxiety can give rise to depression, anxiety disorders, and social isolation. The patient develops suicidal thoughts, which in some cases can be realized. In addition to mental and psychological consequences, there are also legal consequences: administrative punishment, the need to compensate for damage, criminal record, compulsory treatment.
Tips for parents
The most important advice is to accept the fact that the manifestation of a child’s mental illness may be a consequence of improper behavior of family members. Mom and dad must answer the question: what are we doing wrong, why does the child have kleptomania.
If a child behaves strangely and begins to steal for unknown reasons, then first of all it is necessary to exclude the possibility of more serious mental pathologies in the form of kleptomania. It should also be analyzed whether this is a continuation of a genetic predisposition.
If the reason is a socio-psychological factor, then you need to understand the environment in the family, the child’s school, influence from friends, coach, etc.
Parents need to look for ways to have confidential communication, eliminate pressure, harsh punishments, and any forms of violence in order to avoid kleptomania in the child. It is necessary to find common points, expand them, try to understand the mechanisms that form in the psyche that push the child to strange acts in the form of kleptomania. Parents should take some responsibility for their child's kleptomania and try to objectively assess their mistakes.
Supposed psychological reasons for child theft – kleptomania:
- the rebellious nature of the child, the desire to do everything the other way around;
- lack of attention from parents - with kleptomania, the child tries to attract the attention of elders;
- a child’s way of self-affirmation is an attempt to prove to himself and others his independence and intelligence through daring actions;
- imitating friends or following orders from more strong-willed comrades, the result of communicating with spoiled children leads to kleptomania;
- financial distress of the family, the desire of a child with kleptomania to have what other children have.
In many situations, parents themselves may not be able to cope with the problem of kleptomania. You should not delay a visit to a psychologist or psychotherapist for your child.
The ideal option for curing childhood kleptomania is three-way contact between parents, doctor and child. If there is negative influence from grandparents, mutual understanding should be sought on their part as well. It is also worth observing whether there is pressure from older brothers and sisters; they can exert it on the child in the absence of parents.
Practical advice - in order not to provoke a child’s fragile psyche into kleptomania, it is better to remove valuables and money from his field of vision.
It is necessary to form a negative attitude towards kleptomania in the family by personal example, and not by punishment and orders. If the ban on theft is verbally declared, but dad or mom can bring stolen property from work, then the child has a mental rethink and kleptomania occurs.
Manifestation of kleptomania in children
Children's impulsiveness can cause kleptomania at an early age. Children often steal money from their parents. They can be driven by a real lack of money for pocket expenses, and a desire to attract the attention of parents (if the child believes that they are not paying enough attention), and a desire to prove to others how dexterous, smart and cunning he is. Kleptomania can also develop due to the fact that the child got into bad company.
Also, childhood kleptomania can be a consequence of mental or mental illness.
In any case, kleptomania is one of the signs of immature child thinking. Impulsivity should normally subside by age six; then the child also begins to understand moral norms, the rules of social life. If this does not happen before the specified age, we can talk about delayed mental or mental development.
Reasons for child theft
Parents whose children are hyperactive should pay special attention to their upbringing. Hyperactive children are very excitable and are unable to control their actions. If such kids, in the heat of play, take other people’s toys, this is not always interpreted by experts as kleptomania. But such signs should always be kept under control in the child.
Children's kleptomania can be a manifestation of more serious pathologies (schizopathy, hysteria, epilepsy, mental retardation).
Another set of reasons lies in the costs of raising a child. Psychologists and psychiatrists note that cruel mothers who severely punish their children physically or mentally form complexes and contribute to kleptomania. The child is chronically depressed and feels depressed. His psyche is looking for ways to obtain vivid sensations, to escape from the state of emptiness, at least for a short time. The choice of a criminal act in the form of theft and kleptomania is a subconscious form of protest and revenge in a child.
Parents should take into account that changes in hormonal levels in adolescents and the appearance of premenstrual syndrome in girls can give strange impulses in behavior, manifesting themselves in the most unexpected way in the form of kleptomania.
Establishing diagnosis
Diagnosing kleptomania has its own characteristics. The specialist must exclude the possibility of other diseases that push the patient to commit certain actions, including theft.
Here are signs to help identify kleptomania
:
- The patient is unable to overcome the impulse to steal an object that is not necessary for him and has no value for him. This condition must occur every time.
- The patient feels increasing psychological pressure before committing theft.
- After committing a theft, a feeling of peace and satisfaction follows.
- The theft is not committed out of a feeling of revenge or hostility, or under the influence of hallucinations or delusions.
- Theft is not associated with conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or bipolar disorder.
Contact a specialist: treatment regimen
Kleptomania must be treated with complex methods. Both psychotherapy and medications are used. At the same time, a single remedy for kleptomania has not yet been developed, and each patient must be approached individually.
Among psychological methods, cognitive-behavioral methods stand out. They allow you to change negative thoughts to brighter, more positive ones. The following method is also used: the specialist puts the patient into a psychological state in which he imagines himself exposed at the time of the theft.
Medicines used include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.
When treating kleptomania in children, you should not scold them or accuse them of stealing. The fight against the disease should be done gently, because it is still a disease, and not just a bad character trait. If a child stole a toy, it would be wisest to give him the same one. During treatment, all provoking factors should be eliminated: do not leave money and jewelry in a visible place; provide the child with personal belongings for which he himself is responsible.
When treating kleptomania, much depends on the details of the patient's life; for example, what kind of relationship he has with loved ones.
You can use some relaxation techniques. It is important for the patient to exclude the possibility of getting into stressful situations and maintain sufficient physical activity.
How to get rid of kleptomania?
Diagnosis of kleptomania is made only by a qualified psychologist. Often this is an almost forced diagnosis, and people apply for it when a person has already been caught stealing. The difficulty is that thieves pretend to be kleptomaniacs to avoid responsibility, while kleptomaniacs admit that they are thieves. It is easier for them to admit to stealing out of thirst for profit than to admit to a mental disorder.
▪️In fact, among caught shoplifters, less than 5% suffer from kleptomania. Others attribute this diagnosis to themselves, inventing symptoms as they go, and that is why law enforcement agencies do not believe in kleptomania. For them, this is just a way to avoid responsibility.
To establish a diagnosis of Kleptomania, the main symptoms of the disorder must be present:
1. Feelings of anxiety, tension and pressure that motivate you to take action. A kleptomaniac cannot concentrate on anything and only thinks about committing theft.
2. Excitement during theft. The kleptomaniac experiences almost euphoria during the theft process, but only until he leaves the store doors.
3. The theft is committed spontaneously, without the intention of profit. More often it is some small thing like a package of napkins or a pack of cookies. Most likely, a kleptomaniac will not even use it, but will throw it away or give it to someone else.
4. Feeling guilty after theft. The kleptomaniac is ashamed of his act, as a result of which sleep and appetite are disturbed, and nervous tension increases, which again pushes the kleptomaniac to steal.
5. A kleptomaniac always acts alone. He does not plan the theft in advance, and sometimes does not even pay attention to the security camera and security.
6. Theft is never an act of revenge, hostility towards sellers or the owner of the outlet. Also, other mental disorders should be discarded, such as dissocial disorder, in which a person simply rejects the rules of society and the laws of the state.
Most people do not know how to get rid of kleptomania and think that since it is a mental disorder, it means it is incurable. This is not entirely true. Kleptomania can be treated if the problem is approached comprehensively and the patient himself wants to get rid of this addiction. Awareness of the problem and the desire to be cured are the main components of success.
How to get rid of kleptomania for adults?
▪️Kleptomania refers to desire disorders, which implies complex treatment, including both psychotherapy and drug therapy.
▪️It is simply impossible to wean a person from kleptomania. This is a harmless habit, not a character, and the patient himself does not control this process. It is impossible to cope with the disease with words and exhortations alone. A person himself understands that he is doing wrong, and aggravating his suffering with condemnation is a big mistake. And this mistake can be costly if, against the background of remorse and depression, the patient begins independent “treatment” with the help of alcohol or drugs.
Is kleptomania treatable in adults?
Of course. The treatment process is not quick, but for this you do not need to go to a neuropsychiatric dispensary. Of course, if a person has not brought himself to such a state that he requires inpatient treatment. After all, kleptomania is most often observed in hysterical personality types, and this means excessive emotionality, vulnerability, depression and a tendency to suicidal tendencies.
The difference between a thief and a kleptomaniac
From all that has been said above, it can be understood that kleptomania as a disease has nothing in common with theft as a socially dangerous activity. A thief has material benefits from his activities, while a kleptomaniac does not. A thief is proud of his achievements, while a kleptomaniac feels pleasure only at the moment of committing the theft, and before and after it he experiences tension and remorse. The kleptomaniac regrets what he did, but cannot stop taking other people's things.
Kleptomaniacs experience low self-esteem; They also tend to be alone, which also has a painful effect on their well-being.
It must be said that kleptomania does not depend in any way on the patient’s standard of living. Very often these are people from wealthy families, they have everything so that they do not feel the need to steal at all.
Kleptomania is a mitigating factor during legal proceedings. However, the fact of a mental disorder must be established. The investigator must be alerted to the “non-standard” behavior of the thief (theft of things that have no value, theft of incomplete sets, while the stolen item has no meaning: for example, one shoe, one glove instead of two, a bicycle wheel, etc.).
Kleptomania is a fairly rare disease, but this does not mean that it does not occur in celebrities. Thus, one of the most famous kleptomaniacs is Britney Spears. She mainly steals lighters from gas stations and wigs from sex shops. She was often caught doing this by salespeople; however, they did not dare to hand over the “criminal” to the police, since she was, after all, a celebrity, and the stolen things did not have any significant value. However, sometimes the artist manages to steal something more valuable; once, for example, these were several fur coats, the total cost of which exceeded 28 thousand dollars.
More luxurious items are stolen by Lindsay Lohan. Earrings, necklaces, necklaces - all from the best jewelry companies. This celebrity failed to escape responsibility: in 2011, for another theft, the court sentenced her to a short prison term and correctional labor.
Actor Robert Pattison is very capricious in terms of outfits. During the filming of one film, he rejected the costumes offered to him, then he was allowed to choose clothes to his liking. Not wanting to part with the outfit, he subsequently took it with him from the dressing room.
Kim Kardashian has a habit of talking on other people's phones; then she hides these devices for herself, and if the need comes to give them away, she does it reluctantly. At the same time, she has several of her own phones.
There have been famous kleptomaniacs in history. King Henry IV was known for constantly stealing small items from his courtiers. True, he soon returned the item to the owner, laughing at how cleverly he had tricked him.
There are also kleptomaniacs among Russian celebrities. It is known that Dima Bilan loves to steal lighters. And Nikolai Baskov was once caught stealing tangerines from a hotel.
As already mentioned, kleptomaniacs most often steal things that have no value to them. In this sense, there are quite unusual “exhibits”. One football coach stole... a medical centrifuge to conduct a blood test. He did this “just in case” - in case the device came in handy! In fact, he most likely just liked the process of appropriating someone else's things. By the way, the incident occurred in Russia.
Therapy methods
Unfortunately, today there are no specific methods for influencing the behavior of kleptomaniacs. According to studies, most patients with this problem have low levels of serotonin in the body. A lack of the joy hormone can cause prolonged depression, which is complicated by an impulsive behavior pattern and the emergence of needs that are difficult to satisfy.
Relatives of the patient most often resort to the help of doctors. Often, patients with kleptomania are sent to forced rehabilitation after they are caught by law enforcement officers. Therapy for the disorder in question involves a complex effect based on mental correction and drug treatment . It is important to note that patients rarely seek the services of psychologists on their own due to an acute sense of guilt and fear of punishment.
Drug treatment for this mental disorder is based on the use of potent antidepressants and hormonal drugs. In addition, sensitization and neurolinguistic programming techniques are used. Since most patients cannot explain their passion, specialists have to independently find out the reasons for the development of pathology. An individual approach is applied to each patient, based on the mental state, frequency of manifestation of the disease and the patient’s age.
Different people from different segments of the population are susceptible to the development of kleptomania. This could be either a respectable man who has his own business or a single woman of retirement age. Treatment of the disease in children requires a special approach. First of all, the focus of treatment should be on restoring psycho-emotional balance. The level of contact between the child and his parents is of considerable importance in this matter.
Very often, those little things that kleptomaniacs steal do not find any use and are simply stored away as a reminder of a certain episode of life
