Introduction

Kleptomania is a health problem of mental origin. An individual with Kleptomania feels a very strong push to take what does not belong to them (steal). This feeling is often uncontrollable, and even though they know this is not proper behaviour and consequences may follow, they simply can not restrain themselves.

It is important to understand that individuals with Kleptomania are not morally depraved, unethical or corrupt. They would rather feel a dominating and overwhelming desire to commit theft.

A common happening among people with kleptomania is the feeling of some kind of emotional distress after stealing. They often experience feelings of self-blame, remorse, and guilt. To make up for this experience, some simply buy the items or take them back to where they were taken before. Some even give it up for free to people in need because they do not necessarily need the stolen items. Kleptomania is rare, and more females are affected than males.¹

How kleptomania differs from ordinary theft

Unlike ordinary theft, kleptomania is a medical condition. It differs from ordinary theft in the following ways:²

• Unlike ordinary theft, individuals with kleptomania do not steal for self-serving or malicious reasons. Stealing for them is due to an overwhelming craving that cannot be controlled
• People with kleptomania do not plan ahead of time to steal. They also do not employ the assistance of someone else. The push to steal always arises abruptly
• The stolen items mostly come from their social circle, like during a gathering or from shared spaces such as malls
• Most times, the stolen items hold no significance for them. They are worthless to them, and they could easily afford to pay for the items
• After stealing, they may discreetly decide to give back what was stolen or give it up for free to people in their circle. Other times, the items are just dumped

As time passes, the overwhelming craving to commit theft may become stronger or weaker. The feeling may also disappear for a while and then come back later. 

Key characteristics of kleptomania

Kleptomania has some key characteristics, which include:³

• Repeated inability to control the urge to steal items that are not needed. This leads to a continuous circle of this occurrence 
• A growing feeling of tension prior to stealing. This feeling of discomfort pushes people with kleptomania to commit theft as a means of alleviating the increasing discomfort
• The feeling of satisfaction or excitement during the act of stealing. This serves as a temporary escape from the initial tension felt before the act. This feeling does not last for long and makes future cravings even more difficult to control

Stealing is not associated with unresolved anger, revenge or psychosis

Triggers of kleptomania

Kleptomania can be traced to a number of triggers, including:

• Biological triggers, such as abnormal brain signals that control your mood and behaviour
• Triggers related to inheritance. If you have a close loved one with kleptomania, it increases your risk of developing the same condition
• Mental health triggers such as anxiety, trauma, stress or substance abuse can all contribute to kleptomania
• Triggers such as navigating through a difficult life situation. Some people may develop kleptomania as an attempt to alleviate emotional suffering

Guilt and remorse: key emotional consequences of kleptomania

Individuals with kleptomania are often left feeling a sense of guilt and remorse after stealing. They feel guilty after realising they have taken what does not belong to them. This brings sadness and worry. Remorse is the feeling of regret over what has happened. The feeling of remorse often leaves them making plans for amendment. This could be to return the stolen items, pay for them or give them away for free to people in need of the said items. 

Effects of guilt and remorse

The feeling of guilt and remorse has emotional consequences on individuals with kleptomania. These include:⁴

• Feeling afraid
• Feeling anxious
• Depression
• Decreased self-respect
• Feeling ashamed
• Feeling unworthy
• Being aggressive

Psychological and social impacts

Kleptomania is not without psychological and social consequences. They include:

• Stigmatization
• Broken trust
• Damaged relationships
• Poor job output
• Isolation 
• Refusal to associate with people

Coping and seeking help

The best approach to dealing with kleptomania is to seek professional help. But while you are at it, here are things you should do:⁵

• Stay on track with your therapy. Take your medication as prescribed and keep your counselling appointments
• Understand what kleptomania is, your risks, the triggers and available treatment options
• Figure out circumstances or events that can trigger your craving for theft. This can help you avoid them 
• Seek treatment if you are battling other mental health issues or are involved in substance abuse. The presence of another mental health issue worsens kleptomania
• Engage more in physical activities and relaxation
• Do not be discouraged about recovery time. Treatment for kleptomania can take time. Stay focused on not letting it damage your relationships
• Confide in a close family member or friend. Share your concerns truthfully and what triggers you the most. They can help you control the cravings when they arise

Treatment of kleptomania

Most people with kleptomania find it difficult to open up about their struggles due to feelings of shame, guilt and remorse. Treatment includes a combination of medications, behavioural therapy and support groups.⁵

• Medications that can be prescribed include drugs for treating addiction, such as naltrexone. This can decrease your craving and the temporary satisfaction you feel due to kleptomania. Drugs such as fluoxetine, used for treating depression and anxiety disorders, can also be prescribed. Ensure to take your prescribed medications regularly
• Behavioural therapy aims to change your negative thoughts and actions to positive ones. This may involve you learning a new skill. Your therapist will also guide you to learn and practice relaxation even in the presence of a trigger

Support groups such as Addictions UK can be helpful in dealing with kleptomania. It is composed of individuals who have the same or similar problems and who will not judge you. Although support groups are therapeutic, they should not take the place of your doctor's appointment

Building emotional resilience and self-forgiveness

Emotional resilience is your capacity to adjust to difficult and unfavourable circumstances. You can accept what life throws at you. Developing this skill is important because living with kleptomania can be challenging. You can have emotional resilience when you:

• Constantly learn and practice how to say no to your cravings, even in the face of a trigger
• Harness your inner will and ability to accept your condition. Be truthful about what you can control and what you can not
• Keep in touch with people whose presence makes you feel loved and supported. Feel free to share your struggles with them
• Eliminate unnecessary responsibilities from your life
• Understand your triggers and learn to manage them well
• Do not be discouraged if you fall again to stealing, setbacks happen. Simply focus on moving forward. Stay positive always

Self-forgiveness is your ability to let go of ill feelings directed at yourself. It is common to blame yourself when you can not control the overwhelming craving to steal, but doing so can make you more anxious, thereby worsening your symptoms of kleptomania. You can build self-forgiveness by:

• Accepting responsibility for your actions
• Be motivated to take action that will bring positive change
• Focus on building broken or damaged relationships
• Be kind to yourself. Kleptomania is a medical condition that can be managed with the right approach

Summary

Individuals with kleptomania find it difficult or even impossible to stop themselves from stealing; they do not plan ahead of time to steal. The craving simply overpowers them, and they keep repeating the act of theft, stealing what is not needed by them. The feeling of guilt and remorse is common in kleptomania, and they sometimes try to make up by dumping the items, giving them out for free, returning them or simply paying for them. 

It is important not to dwell so much on self-blame but rather, focus on getting the necessary guidance to help manage your symptoms and live better. Treatment is available for kleptomania, including medications, behavioural therapy and support groups.