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What is kleptomania (Stealing-theft disease)? What are the symptoms? How is it treated?

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WHAT IS KLEPTOMANIA (STEAL-THEFT DISEASE)?

Kleptomania, known as stealing disorder, is a psychological disorder. Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by the inability to resist the urge to steal objects even though it has no monetary value and is not needed for personal use.

It is a disorder that usually starts in adolescence, lasts until late adulthood, and can last a lifetime in some patients. People with kleptomania often steal in public places such as stores and supermarkets.

After the act of stealing, the person usually either gives the stolen object to someone, secretly puts it back in its place or throws it away. Stealing impulses that occur in these people usually occur suddenly, unplanned and unaided.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF KLEPTOMANIA?

Symptoms of kleptomania may include:

– Strong urges to steal things that are not needed and inability to control these urges,
– Feeling of tension, anxiety or arousal when impulses occur,
– Pleasure, relaxation or satisfaction while playing,
– Feeling guilty, remorseful, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after theft
– Return of impulses and repetition of the cycle of kleptomania.

HOW IS KLEPTOMANIA TREATED?

If kleptomania is not treated, it can cause serious emotional, legal and financial problems in private and business life. Although feelings of fear or shame can make seeking treatment for kleptomania difficult, getting help is crucial.

Kleptomania is difficult to overcome on its own. Treatment Without it, kleptomania will remain an ongoing and long-term condition. However, studies also show that the patient’s urge to steal may decrease with age.

Treatment of kleptomania typically includes one or both of psychotherapy and medication. However, there is no standard treatment for kleptomania and research on this subject is still ongoing. A person with kleptomania may have to try several types of treatment to find out which type of treatment works best.

Medicines: There is little scientific research on the use of psychiatric drugs in the treatment of kleptomania. There is no FDA (American Food and Drug Administration, Food and Drug Administration) approved drug for kleptomania.

However, the following drugs or drug groups may be prescribed for the treatment of kleptomania:

Naltrexon: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that can reduce the urges and pleasures associated with stealing, is actually an addiction drug.

Antidepressants: Especially those with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are preferred.

Psychotherapy: A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy; It helps to identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.

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