It is when a person repeatedly steals objects that have no monetary value and are not needed. There is a gradually increasing tension before attempting theft. They experience pleasure, satisfaction or relief during the theft attempt. Symptoms begin in childhood and continue intermittently into adulthood. Very few of the patients spontaneously seek treatment. 4% of all store thefts are kleptomaniacs. We know that many kleptomaniacs are not caught and are released even if they are caught. Those who are caught experience serious emotional trauma. Although it is thought that kleptomaniacs occur mostly among women, they are also seen in 20% of men.
It is difficult to identify a kleptomaniac person. It usually occurs in middle-aged women in response to loss, for example, a child leaving the house. Many patients are married or widowed. It is found in people of all races. They are well-educated people. In research on kleptomania, its relationship with anxiety, depression and sexual disorders is mentioned. It has been claimed that kleptomania is an attempt by many patients to get rid of feelings of stress and depression by focusing on the pleasure they get from stealing. In other words, risk-taking behavior may have an antidepressant effect for some patients.
Kleptomania patients experience serious difficulties in fulfilling their social and professional functions. Many patients complain of intrusive thoughts and impulses about stealing that make it difficult for them to concentrate at home and at work. The inability to control the behavior they do not want to do can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.
An increasing number of publications report that motivated behaviors seen in impulse control disorders such as kleptomania. It shows that, in addition to family and hereditary factors, many neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, dopaminergic, opioidergic) may also be responsible for its formation.
Although there are no definitive methods in its treatment, drug treatments and psychotherapy methods are used. Finding and resolving the underlying conflict of kleptomania is beneficial for most patients. Some patients resort to indirect treatment by forbidding themselves from shopping without seeking professional help. When they do not go shopping, they do not engage in stealing behavior.
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