One of the ways I unwind is by watching Nollywood movies. Coincidentally, there are lots of them on YouTube.
I am particularly addicted to a channel called Maurice Sam TV. It is owned by Maurice Sam, one of Nigeria’s finest actors.
One of his recent movies was about kleptomania. So, I chose this topic to change the narrative of viewing this condition only from a spiritual perspective while neglecting the medical approach.
Also, because it is a mental health condition and we often focus only on physical health, I felt it was another opportunity to discuss mental health.
Kleptomania is a rare mental health disorder in which people are unable to resist the urge to steal. They may shoplift things they have no use for, do not need, or could easily afford to buy.
When a person has kleptomania, the temptation to steal can be so strong that it becomes difficult to resist. Kleptomaniacs often feel an intense thrill while stealing and may experience guilt or humiliation afterwards.
Despite knowing that stealing is wrong, people with kleptomania cannot help themselves. They are also not deterred by the consequences of stealing, such as arrest or imprisonment.
First described in 1816, kleptomania is classified in psychiatry as an impulse-control disorder. Some of its main characteristics suggest that it belongs to the obsessive-compulsive spectrum, although it also shares similarities with addictive and mood disorders.
There is a clear difference between ordinary theft and kleptomania. Ordinary theft, whether planned or impulsive, is deliberate and motivated by the usefulness or monetary value of an item. Kleptomania, on the other hand, involves the repeated failure to resist the impulse to steal items that are not needed for personal use or financial gain.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of kleptomania. However, they believe it may result from biochemical and neurological abnormalities in the brain. A person with kleptomania may have an imbalance in the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow different parts of the brain to communicate. When they are unbalanced, the brain may not regulate impulses as it should.
Stress and trauma are also potential contributors. Psychological trauma, particularly during childhood, may trigger the development of kleptomania and other impulse-control disorders.
Stress contributes to poor impulse control and, even if it does not directly cause kleptomania, it can worsen the condition.
Genetics may also play a role. People with a family history of kleptomania have a greater chance of developing the disorder.
Risk factors for kleptomania
Having other mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders or personality disorders. The association appears strongest with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Low serotonin levels, which may increase impulsive behaviour.
Addictive tendencies, since stealing can trigger a dopamine rush that becomes reinforcing.
An imbalance in the brain’s opioid system, which helps regulate urges.
A family history of kleptomania or addiction.
Being female, as about two-thirds of diagnosed cases occur in women.
Head injuries, including concussions.
Psychological trauma, especially during childhood. Family dysfunction may also contribute by encouraging stealing behaviours that later evolve into kleptomania when combined with other mood or addiction disorders.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom is acting on an irresistible urge to steal. This often includes one or more of the following:
The stolen items are not taken out of necessity or for their value.
The person feels mounting tension or anticipation before stealing.
Stealing is followed by pleasure, relief or other positive emotions.
Once those emotions fade, guilt, shame or regret sets in.
Some people throw the stolen items away, give them to others or donate them to charity. Others secretly return the items or later pay for them.
Most people with kleptomania steal alone and often keep the condition hidden, even from their spouses.
How is it treated?
Doctors typically use a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
As you know, it is not part of my mandate to discuss medications, so let us focus on psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for kleptomania. It helps people understand and change the thoughts and behaviours that drive their impulses.
CBT may involve:
Learning how to control urges
Developing healthy coping mechanisms
Identifying and avoiding triggers
Managing stress
Addressing underlying psychological issues
According to Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Southampton, Sam Chamberlain, “People with kleptomania repeatedly steal items, but they do it impulsively, and they find it very difficult to stop. Importantly, when they steal these items, it’s not because they need them and it’s not for personal or financial gain.”
Author of Why Honest People Shoplift or Commit Other Acts of Theft, Dr Cupchik, says he can barely identify a handful of his more than 700 patients who qualified as true kleptomaniacs.
He believes that many were acting, at least in part, out of anger or a desire for revenge.
According to him, “For a lot of these people, there’s been early abuse, early sexual abuse, physical abuse. It is really important to find the source, and until you do, they’ll be at risk for doing it again.”
His view lends support to the role of childhood psychological trauma as a significant risk factor for kleptomania.
Counselling psychologist and co-founder of Whaterr Solutions, Bengaluru, Amaresh Nath, explains, “Being in a store or seeing certain objects can spark the urge to steal and ease tension.”
A study titled Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors: A Review and Case Report by Farid Ramzi Talih concluded that clinicians should routinely ask psychiatric patients about urges to steal. It also recommends screening people with a history of trauma, head injury or substance abuse for kleptomania.
The researchers emphasised that kleptomania should be approached without judgment and with strict confidentiality because many patients fear legal consequences.
A final word
People with kleptomania often feel ashamed or embarrassed and may be reluctant to seek help. Yet, the earlier someone receives treatment, the better the chances of managing the condition.
Many avoid treatment because they fear arrest or imprisonment. However, mental health professionals generally do not report past thefts to law enforcement.
Experts have also linked kleptomania with several other mental health disorders and an increased risk of suicide. That is why anyone showing signs of the condition should receive a proper medical evaluation.
If you suspect that a close friend or family member has kleptomania, raise your concerns gently. Remember that it is a mental health disorder, not a character flaw, so approach the person with empathy rather than judgment or blame.