Introduction

Kleptomania, which, if you did not know the term, is a condition that describes a person who experiences the uncontrollable and obsessive urge or impulse to steal things they do not want and/or need. In short, they are addicted to stealing.

You may already be familiar with this term if you are a fan of Breaking Bad, in which one of the recurring characters, Marie Schrader, experiences periods of kleptomania throughout the show. For those who have not seen the show, it reveals her kleptomania when she steals a tiara for her unborn niece, which is soon discovered after her sister Skyler attempts to return the tiara, causing a rift between the two sisters. It resurfaces while Marie is caring for her injured husband, Hank, whose long and arduous recovery leaves him frequently dismissive and unkind toward her. Although this scenario is drawn from a fictional TV show, it reflects genuine symptoms, triggers, and consequences of kleptomania, impacting not only Marie herself but also her friends and family.

Kleptomania is a rare mental health disorder affecting 0.3-0.6% of the population, with 3 females diagnosed for every 1 male. The actual percentage is likely higher, as a lot of people with this condition are less likely to seek help or treatment, as they fear getting into legal trouble.¹

Symptoms

Symptoms of kleptomania, which are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) include:²

• A frequent and ongoing urge to steal things that aren't needed and don't provide any financial benefit
• Feeling more anxious or tense before stealing, and then experiencing enjoyment, satisfaction, or relief when stealing. Afterwards, they often feel guilty, ashamed, or remorseful, and sometimes they may feel depressed
• The person’s stealing isn’t caused by false beliefs, intense mood swings, or hallucinations, nor is it driven by revenge or anger
• Their stealing behaviour cannot be better explained by conditions like antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder, or a manic episode

Whilst stealing is relatively common, there is a clear distinction between taking something for personal gain or as a rebellious act encouraged by peers, and experiencing the overwhelming, uncontrollable urge to steal. Most people with kleptomania often do not use the things they steal, either hoarding the stolen objects, returning them or even gifting them.² They do it for the act of stealing itself, despite knowing that stealing is morally wrong and they can get into trouble with the law, but are unable to stop themselves.

Causes

Whilst the exact causes of kleptomania remain unconfirmed, the DSM-5 suggests that it may be linked to disruptions in certain neurochemical pathways, particularly those involving the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals can affect feelings such as aggression and how the brain experiences pleasure and reward. People with kleptomania might also have an imbalance in their brain's opioid system, which can make it harder for them to resist the urge to steal.¹

Kleptomania is often diagnosed with other mental health disorders, known as comorbidities.

Kleptomania comorbidities

Kleptomania is often diagnosed alongside other mental health issues, such as:¹

• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating problems 
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression 
• Personality disorders
• Addiction 
• Substance abuse
• Compulsive shopping
• Other behaviour problems that involve losing control or acting out impulsively

When examining suicidal thoughts and behaviours in individuals with kleptomania, the presence of other mental health conditions or general life difficulties did not appear to significantly influence whether they experienced suicidal ideation or made suicide attempts. According to a study, 92.3% of suicide attempts in these patients were directly linked to kleptomania itself.³

Consequences

There are many consequences to kleptomania, the most notable being legal consequences or trouble with the law. One study found that sixty-nine people with kleptomania (about 68%) had been arrested. Of these, 36.6% had been arrested but not found guilty, 20.8% had been found guilty and served time in jail, and only 10.9% had been found guilty but did not serve time after their conviction.⁴

Other consequences include personal challenges, such as difficulties maintaining employment or sustaining friendships and relationships. Stealing can take an emotional toll not only on the individual but also on friends and family, who may experience theft of their personal belongings, resulting in trust issues and concerns about their safety.⁵

All these consequences can lead to financial issues associated with kleptomania.

Financial issues

Being caught stealing can result in arrest, prosecution, legal representation and potential imprisonment, all of which can involve significant financial costs.⁴ 

Legal issues can make it difficult to secure employment. Even in the absence of legal problems, kleptomania in the workplace may result in job loss. This, in turn, can make finding new employment challenging and may lead to difficulties in covering rent or meeting daily living expenses.

This can pose significant challenges for individuals with kleptomania, as it is not something they choose or are at fault for, often leading to feelings of shame, self-loathing and remorse.⁶

Treatment

Fortunately, there is available treatment for those who suffer from kleptomania without having to get into any legal or financial trouble.

Treatment for kleptomania often involves both talking therapies and medication. Therapy can be done one-on-one with a counsellor or therapist, or in a group setting with others facing similar issues. The goal is to address any underlying mental health problems that might be linked to kleptomania.

The most common type of therapy used is called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In CBT, the goal is to make changes that address the problems that can trigger kleptomania. A typical session involves discussing difficult situations and how they affect the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the patient with a therapist. Different approaches are considered, such as:⁷

• Challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs and considering alternative perspectives
• Observing your emotions and physical sensations without reacting
• Altering behaviours, like engaging in avoided activities

In addition, certain medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which help increase serotonin levels in the brain, might be prescribed alongside therapy to help manage kleptomania.⁵

Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps nerves communicate with each other. It's believed to play a helpful role in affecting our mood, feelings, and sleep patterns.

After serotonin sends a message, it usually gets taken back up by the nerve cells. Some medications called SSRIs prevent this reabsorption, so more serotonin stays available to pass messages between nerve cells.

It's not entirely accurate to say that depression and similar mental health issues are just caused by low serotonin levels. However, increasing serotonin can help improve symptoms and make people more receptive to other treatments like therapy.⁸

Overall, it appears that the best way to manage and treat kleptomania is with a combination of therapeutic methods to prevent recurrence and to lead a perfectly normal and happy life.¹

FAQs

What is kleptomania?

Kleptomania is a mental health disorder in which the person suffering from it experiences an uncontrollable urge to steal things they do not want or need.

Is kleptomania common?

Kleptomania is very uncommon, as it affects only 0.3%-0.6% of the population, therefore affecting 3-6 persons out of 1000 people.

Who does kleptomania affect?

It appears to affect women more frequently than men, with 3 women diagnosed for every 1 man.

What are the causes of kleptomania?

While the exact cause of kleptomania is unknown, it is likely linked to brain function and neural pathways involved in impulse control, with dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters being affected differently compared to healthy individuals.

What are the symptoms of kleptomania?

Those with kleptomania feel a persistent urge to steal unnecessary items without financial gain, being driven by pre-theft anxiety and tension, and feeling relieved or pleasure during theft. Post-theft, they often feel guilt, shame, remorse, or depression. The behaviour is not caused by delusions, mood swings, hallucinations, revenge, or anger, and it cannot be explained by antisocial conduct disorders or manic phases.

What are the consequences of kleptomania?

Kleptomania is associated with a range of consequences, including legal troubles, personal challenges such as job instability and difficulties in relationships or friendships, and financial struggles.

What are the treatment options for kleptomania?

There are multiple treatment options available, and it is recommended to combine different therapeutic methods. These include talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medications such as SSRIs.