How to Explain Kleptomania

Kleptomania is a neurotic condition and is different from shoplifting. Only one to eight percent of people are true kleptomaniacs and it is often triggered by a major stressful event. Kleptomania may be related to impulse control disorders in the obsessive-compulsive spectrum of disorders. The cause of kleptomania is unknown and explaining how it differs from shoplifting may be difficult.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn about kleptomania and understand that studies have shown that there is a high correlation of kleptomania in people who have bulimia, approximately 65 percent.
2. Know the difference between kleptomania and shoplifting. In shoplifting, the action is usually a well planned and deliberate act of stealing, motivated by need or monetary gain or an act of rebellion or a dare. Kleptomaniacs aren't even fully aware they have stolen something.
3. Realize that the cause of kleptomania is unknown, but it may have a genetic component and be transmitted between first degree relatives.
4. Observe that kleptomania is very difficult to diagnose since patients do not seek medical help and initial psychological assessments may not fully detect it. Usually, the diagnosis is given after a patient is seen for another reason such as depression or bulimia.
5. Understand the symptoms of true kleptomania. They include repeated inability to resist the impulse to steal things that have no personal value, the feeling of increasing tension just before the theft, feelings of gratification, relief and pleasure when stealing, stealing something that is not committed out of anger or vengeance and having no explanation that can be given for stealing something.
6. Explain to others that kleptomania is seen more often in females even though there doesn't appear to be related hormonal causes. The average age of a kleptomaniac is 35 years old and the duration of the condition is about 16 years.
7. Treat the condition to fully understand and explain the condition to yourself and others. Treatment for kleptomania includes prescribing drugs such as Prozac and Revia and other antidepressants, counseling and psychotherapy.