Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of kleptomania is not known but experts suggest changes in the brain chemicals levels like serotonin and dopamine may have some role in kleptomania. Kleptomania coexists with other psychological disorders like major depression, social phobias, OCD, bulimia nervosa etc.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with irresistible desire to steal things that you don’t need and have less monetary value, anxious, tensed and uncomfortable feeling before theft, sense of pleasure or gratification and satisfaction during the act of stealing, guilt and embarrassment feeling after stealing. The theft is not done due to anger or revenge or for any personal gain. Episodes of kleptomania returns spontaneously without any warning signs. The theft is not a planned one. The person may store the stolen objects [hoarding].
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and psychological evaluation by the psychiatrist or psychotherapist helps in diagnosis. Presence of above mentioned symptoms is helpful in diagnosing the condition.
Treatment
Main treatment consists of Psychotherapy and counselling which involves cognitive behavioural therapy. Psychotherapy consists of treatment in which one imagines himself stealing and being caught [ covert sensitization]; holding breath in order to develop urge to steal by becoming uncomfortable[ aversion therapy]; controlling the urge to steal [systemic desensitization]. Individual and family therapy may be required. Increasing social involvement and social interaction, spending quality time with family and friends will also help in managing the disease. Further treatment consists of medications such as anti depressants, anti anxiety drugs which contribute further to the treatment.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating kleptomania. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating kleptomania.
