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Kleptomania

An impulse control disorder characterized by recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal items not needed for personal use.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Psikiyatri department. Book Appointment →

What is Kleptomania?

Kleptomania is classified in the DSM-5 under disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders. It is characterized by the recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. The behavior is preceded by an increasing sense of tension and followed by pleasure, gratification, or relief at the time of committing the theft.

Kleptomania is distinct from ordinary shoplifting, where items are stolen for personal use, financial gain, or as part of antisocial behavior. In kleptomania, the stolen items are often discarded, given away, secretly returned, or hoarded. The act is not committed to express anger or vengeance and is not in response to a delusion or hallucination.

The disorder is rare (estimated 0.3-0.6% of the population) but more common in women and often co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and other impulse control disorders. The shame and legal consequences often delay diagnosis and treatment, but evidence-based treatment can be effective.

Symptoms

Recurrent inability to resist impulses to steal
Items stolen are not needed or of little monetary value
Increasing tension before committing theft
Pleasure, gratification, or relief during theft
Stealing not motivated by anger, revenge, delusion, or hallucination
Items often discarded, given away, returned, or hoarded
Stealing is impulsive, not planned (unlike shoplifting)
Guilt, shame, and depression after theft
Concern about being arrested or detected
Episodes may occur over years
Significant distress or social/occupational impairment

Risk Factors

Female sex (60-70% of cases)
First-degree relatives with mood disorders or substance use disorders
Comorbid mood disorder (especially depression)
Comorbid anxiety disorder
Comorbid eating disorder (especially bulimia)
Substance use disorder
Other impulse control disorders
OCD or OCD-spectrum disorders
History of head injury
Childhood trauma or stressful life events
Personality disorders (borderline, histrionic)
Onset typically in adolescence or early adulthood

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Inability to resist urges to steal despite consequences
  • Repeated arrests or legal problems for theft
  • Significant distress or shame about stealing behavior
  • Family member or partner identifies pattern
  • Co-occurring depression, anxiety, or eating disorder
  • Substance use to cope with urges or after stealing
  • Suicidal thoughts related to behavior or consequences
  • Inability to function at work or in relationships
  • Discovery of hoarded stolen items

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
02
Assessment for comorbid disorders (mood, anxiety, eating, substance)
03
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): primary treatment
04
Specific CBT techniques: covert sensitization, imaginal desensitization, aversive imagery
05
Habit reversal training
06
Cognitive restructuring of distorted thoughts
07
Psychodynamic psychotherapy: exploring underlying conflicts
08
Group therapy for impulse control disorders
09
Pharmacotherapy: SSRIs (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine) — limited but supportive evidence
10
Naltrexone: opioid antagonist, evidence in some studies for reducing urges
11
Topiramate or other anticonvulsants: case reports
12
Treatment of comorbid conditions: depression, anxiety, eating disorder
13
Avoidance of high-risk situations (stores) early in treatment
14
Family therapy: addressing relationship impact
15
Legal advocacy and support: court-ordered treatment may apply
16
Long-term follow-up: relapse prevention
17
Support groups (CASA, online forums for impulse control)
18
Education: framing as a treatable medical condition reduces shame

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.