Do I Have Kleptomania?

Do you experience an uncontrollable urge to steal items that you don’t need?

Do you feel pleasure or gratification while stealing?

Do you experience increased anxiety or arousal leading up to the theft?

Do you feel very guilty, share, or fear of arrest after the theft?

Stealing occurs when someone is taking something that doesn’t belong to the person without permission. Reasons for people to steal include as a means to survive, enjoying the rush of it, because of peer-pressure, or out of disrespect. While stealing can be a criminal theft, it can also be the result of compulsive disorders or poor impulse control. Kleptomania is a condition in which someone compulsively steals. The person steals not to gain something, but because of a psychological compulsion. Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you suffer from this condition. However, if you occasionally steal, it may be a sign of other problems. It is important to discuss this with a doctor.

While it is unlikely that you have kleptomania, you may be displaying some symptoms related to it. Kleptomania is a recurrent failure to control the urge to steal. Someone who suffers from kleptomania usually steals things that he doesn’t need. The stolen items are often of little value. That is why kleptomania is different from theft. Also, the fact that people rarely use the stolen items, differentiates kleptomania from theft. They usually throw the items away later of give them to friends or family. While you may not be diagnosed with the disorder, it may be important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor to understand what causes you to steal.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have kleptomania. It may be of high importance to seek medical support. Kleptomania, or compulsive stealing, is a common cause of theft. People who suffer from this disorder can’t control the urge to steal. Treatment for kleptomania often consists of psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication (to address related mental health disorders). Kleptomania can’t be cured, but treatment can help to manage symptoms. Continual treatment may be necessary.