Is kleptomania a health issue?

Yes Sarah, kleptomania is a health problem as well as a social problem. It is a psychiatric disorder where the sufferer feels pressure and stress building within him/her to steal something. When the person commits a theft, this pressure is then released. Kleptomania is considered to be an impulse control disorder, but in some arenas, […]

Yes Sarah, kleptomania is a health problem as well as a social problem. It is a psychiatric disorder where the sufferer feels pressure and stress building within him/her to steal something. When the person commits a theft, this pressure is then released. Kleptomania is considered to be an impulse control disorder, but in some arenas, it is believed to fall under the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Often, kleptomaniacs (a person who suffers from kleptomania) experience the misfortune of being associated with other psychiatric disorders, predominantly eating and anxiety disorders. There is also a frequent relation with alcohol and substance abuse.
The following list shows the characteristics and symptoms that help identify kleptomania:
1. Repeated inability to defend against urges to steal things that are not essential for private use or for their economic value;
2. Escalating sense of pressure immediately prior to performing the theft;
3. Satisfaction, fulfillment or relief at the point of performing the theft;
4. The theft is not executed to convey antagonism or revenge, and is not in reaction to a delusion or a fantasy; and
5. The thieving is not better accounted for by behavior disorder, a manic episode, or antisocial personality disorder.
Uncontrollable stealing leads to a debilitating mental disorder that prevents the person from living a productive life. This mood disorder is destructive to both the sufferer and their loved ones, but help is available. Kleptomania can be managed so a fulfilling life can be lived.
Kleptomania generally has its onset in late adolescence or early adulthood and appears to be more common among women.

Causes of kleptomania
It is currently unknown as to why someone develops kleptomania. Some scientists believe that kleptomania is part of an alcohol or substance addiction. Others consider it to be a deviation of an impulse control disorder like eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder. In the majority of cases, it is rare for a man or woman to struggle only with kleptomania. It is most often co-occurring with other psychiatric disorders.

Signs and symptoms of kleptomania
Signs of kleptomania are often misdiagnosed as common theft, but there are a few symptoms and signs to look for when evaluating if someone may be struggling with kleptomania. If these warning signs are observed, then help needs to be provided to the individual. Some of the indications of kleptomania include:
1. Powerful urges to steal items not needed
2. Thoughts of intrusion
3. Unable to resist the compulsion to steal
4. Release of pressure following the theft
5. Stress
6. Remorse

Kleptomania effects
Kleptomania is not curable; it can only be managed. Therefore, living a normal life can be difficult as kleptomania can affect all aspects of a man or woman’s life. Emotional effects include:
1. Guilt and increased tension leading to theft
2. Feeling pleasure or gratification while stealing and shame
3. Powerful urges to steal items not needed and  thoughts of intrusion
4. Unable to resist the compulsion to steal
5. Release of pressure following the theft
6. Stress and  Remorse
7. Struggling with another mood disorder
8. There are very few physical effects that result from kleptomania are:
9. Arrest and  Incarceration
10. Considered a thief
11. Substance abuse addiction can be developed
12.    Ostracized from loved ones and Termination of job
13. Poor self-image and Criminal record

Kleptomania treatment
The person suffering from kleptomania disorder has to deal with strong feelings of guilt, shame and remorse. These are feelings that must continually be dealt with if the disorder goes untreated. There is no cure for kleptomania. The best way to manage kleptomania is with a combination of pharmaceutical and behavioral treatments.  Loved ones will also help.