Do I Have Kleptomania? How Psychiatrist In Patna Bihar Can Help

07 Apr Do I Have Kleptomania? How Psychiatrist In Patna Bihar Can Help

Kleptomania is serious mental health disorder characterized by recurrent, compulsive stealing of items that are often unnecessary or of little value.

The main difference between regular stealing and kleptomania is that people with kleptomania steal without needing the items.

They might take things that are not valuable to them. Those with this condition often feel tense before stealing, relieved after, and then guilty, which can lead them to judge others harshly.

In simple terms, unlike common theft, which is motivated by personal gain, kleptomania is driven by an uncontrollable urge, followed by temporary relief—and later, deep regret.

There are many myths about kleptomania, even though it is a real mental health issue that needs better understanding and help.

In this blog, we’ll explore the mysteries of kleptomania, its causes, symptoms, and its impact, with insights drawn from the expertise of Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, psychiatrist doctor in patna bihar.

What Does Kleptomania Mean?

Kleptomania has been labeled a rare but serious mental health disorder marked by an irresistible, recurrent urge to steal items—not for personal gain or necessity, but due to an overwhelming psychological compulsion.

An individual who suffers from kleptomania has repeated and compulsion stealing urges.

They often steal things they don’t need. Most of what they steal is not worth much and doesn’t matter to them in money or feelings.

The psychological impulse that leads to a kleptomaniacal instance has nothing to do with extenuating circumstances such as poverty and want.

Kleptomania Prevalence and Demographics: Who is Affected?

Kleptomania is a rare but underreported impulse control disorder, affecting a small but significant portion of the population.

Due to the secretive nature of the condition and the shame associated with it, many cases go undiagnosed.

Here’s what research reveals about its prevalence and who is most at risk:

Rarity of the Condition:

The incidence of kleptomania on the population has been estimated between 0.3 and 0.6 percent.

It leaves behind an impact on the psycho-social side of the individual, notwithstanding it takes place in a small number of individuals.

Found in about 4% to 24% of individuals arrested for shoplifting, suggesting many cases are misclassified as criminal behavior rather than a mental health issue.

Gender Distribution:

More females have come to clinical dermatologists with complaints of kleptomania when compared to males.

Women are 2-3 times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

Possible reasons: Greater help-seeking behavior, hormonal influences, or societal pressures

Age of Onset:

At what age does kleptomania start? The kleptomania typically begins in early adolescence or early adulthood (teens to mid-20s), though for one and all, it may come aboard at any period of one’s life.

So the early diagnosis within the proper treatment will improve the mental well-being along with lessening the damage done in one’s daily life.

Cross-Cultural Manifestation:

Kleptomania affects people from all cultures and social classes because it is not limited to any one group.

This shows that this disorder is common and that we need to educate the public about it.

Kleptomaniac person experience frequent and uncontrollable urges to steal items, often without any practical need or personal use for them.

The stolen items are typically of little value and hold no financial or emotional significance to the individual.

Unlike theft motivated by necessity or greed, kleptomania arises from psychological impulses rather than external circumstances like poverty or material desires.

Distinction Between Kleptomania and Ordinary Stealing

While both involve taking items that don’t belong to you, kleptomania and ordinary stealing are fundamentally different.

Here’s how to tell them apart:

Motivations:

• Kleptomania: Impulses to steal arise in the individual without pressure of practical or financial need. There is no intent to gain something monetary or valuable.
• Ordinary Theft: The motivating factors are usually about financial or material need, greed or the desire for the specific stolen object. It is premeditated to satisfy personal needs or obtain something material.

Emotional Reactions Before and After Theft:

• Kleptomania: There is sensation of extreme pressure or anxiety to perform the act of theft. However, thereafter there is a feeling of relief or satisfaction, mostly mingled with guilt or remorse.
• Ordinary Theft: His feelings would generally not undergo such cycling because of the practical reason for the theft, and his jail does not usually concern an internal psychological struggle.

Behavior Patterns:

• Kleptomania: Most items have little or no value to the individual because they have no purpose. Stealing is impulsive, unplanned and often irrational.
• Ordinary Theft: Theft is certainly well considered and deliberate, with targets normally being valuable or more useful items. There is a clear goal or motivation behind this action.

Legal and Psychological Context:

• Kleptomania: It is considered a psychiatric disorder and not a moral failing. People with kleptomania may still be stealing despite being fully aware of the ethical and legal consequences.
• Ordinary Theft: Ordinary theft is considered a deliberate violation of law and moral standards. The person stealing is generally aware of their motivations and the potential consequences of their actions.

Knowing these differences is important for helping people with kleptomania with care and making sure they get the right treatment instead of being punished.

If you or someone you know steals uncontrollably without a clear reason, it could be kleptomania.

A psychiatrist in Patna Bihar like Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh can help diagnose and treat it.

Kleptomania Symptoms

Kleptomania is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to steal items that are not needed, often accompanied by feelings of tension before the act and relief afterward.

If you’re wondering, “Do I have kleptomania?” or “How do I know if I’m a kleptomaniac?” it’s important to understand the symptoms associated with this condition.

Here’s how to spot a kleptomaniac…

Irresistible Urge to Steal:

Those with kleptomania feel persistent craving to steal and even when the items have no real utility or importance, it just can’t be avoided.

Mostly such stealing impulses come from nowhere without any evident trigger.

A Build-up of Tension Before Stealing:

It is not uncommon for one who will later steal to try to calm their anxiety or agitation or possibly some other emotional discomfort.

Over the period, such tension continues to build up, eventually becoming unbearable and needing to be released through theft.

Feelings of Pleasure, Gratification, or Relief After Stealing:

In people who are kleptomaniacs, stealing does not necessarily lead to relief from the items stolen but brings temporary relief or gratification for emotional release.

It can be a temporary high but strengthens the cycle of thievery.

Guilt or Remorse, though Urge Persists:

Most often, people suffering from kleptomania realize the wrong of stealing and tend to feel guilty or ashamed after doing it.

But the steal compulsion does not spare them from the internal struggle, and thus, they face an unbreakable cycle.

Items Stolen Are Often Discarded, Given Away, or Hidden:

Unlike common stealing, nearly all the stolen goods have not been used for oneself.

The person usually discards, hides, or gives away the thing stolen because he or she doesn’t find joy in owning it.

This, again, describes the missing emotional and psychological aspects of theft in regard to ownership rather than selfish interests.

Spontaneous Acts:

Kleptomania episodes are typically unplanned.

The urge strikes suddenly, often in public places like stores, without premeditation or an escape plan.

Noticing the signs of kleptomania is the first step to dealing with it. It is not a bad choice but a condition that can be treated with therapy, support, and sometimes medicine.

If you or someone you care about has these signs, think about contacting a specialist who can help you understand and find a way to move forward.

What Is Kleptomania Caused By?

Kleptomania is a complex impulse control disorder with no single cause, but research suggests these key factors contribute to its development

Here’s what causes kleptomania…

1: Biological Factors:

• Chemical Imbalances in the Brain: Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are important for mood and behavior. If these are not balanced, it can lead to impulsive and compulsive actions, such as stealing.
• Dysfunction in the Brain Reward System: People with kleptomania may have problems with the brain’s reward system. They seek the excitement of stealing, and this affects their behavior.

2: Psychological Triggers:

• Stressful Life Events: Difficult situations like trauma, money problems, relationship issues, or loss can lead to kleptomania. These stressors may create strong feelings that some people try to ease by stealing.
• Childhood Trauma/Abuse: Kleptomania often starts from a history of trauma, abuse, or neglect in childhood. The emotional pain from these experiences can drive someone to seek relief or control through compulsive stealing.

3: Genetic Factors:

• Does kleptomania run in families? Yes, kleptomania can run in families due to genetic and environmental factors. If the family has a history of mental illnesses, like obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) or any other form of depression or substance abuse, the chances are increased towards developing kleptomania.
• This suggests that there is a genetic link which means the disorder could be transferred from generation to generation making certain people more prone to develop kleptomania.

In short, kleptomania causes are influenced by a combination of neurological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Seeking professional help can lead to better management and recovery.

Can You Be Diagnosed With Kleptomania?

Yes, kleptomania is a recognized mental health disorder that can be officially diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

The diagnosis of kleptomania, however, is established on the basis of a more extensive evaluation by a mental health professional.

Such processes include clinical interviews and other evaluations based on these diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5.

Here’s how diagnosis works:

1: Clinical interviews:

A psychologist or psychiatrist will collect the history, symptoms, and associated psychiatric conditions in detail from the patient and assess stealing behavior-its associated feelings and triggers.

A mental health professional will:

• Ask about recurring urges to steal (even unnecessary/valueless items)
• Assess if stealing is impulsive (not premeditated)

Look for emotional patterns:

Tension before stealing → relief during → guilt/shame after

Rule out other motives (financial need, rebellion, or delusions)

2: Diagnosis according to DSM-5:

Kleptomania is diagnosed based on three criteria determined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders:

For an official diagnosis, a person must meet all of these:

• Repeated failure to resist stealing urges
• Items stolen are unneeded or worthless
• Stealing isn’t motivated by anger, delusions, or financial gain
• Symptoms aren’t caused by another mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder)
• Significant distress or life disruption (legal, social, or emotional harm)

3: Medical & Psychological Screening

• Physical exam (to rule out brain injuries or neurological conditions)
• Lab tests (checking for substance use or hormonal imbalances)
• Mental health evaluation (for co-occurring disorders like OCD, depression, or anxiety)

Early diagnosis improves outcomes! If you suspect kleptomania, seek a mental health professional—confidential help is available.

Kleptomania Treatment

Kleptomania is hard to treat, but using therapy, medication, and support groups together can help control the symptoms and reduce stealing.

Here’s the process on how to treat kleptomania…

1: Therapy:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: CBT is seen as one of the best therapies for treating someone with kleptomania. It helps identify what triggers stealing, challenges the beliefs behind this behavior, and gives advice on better ways to cope.
• Impulse Control Therapy: This therapy teaches people to manage their impulses and control behaviors that tend to result in stealing. Some strategies might help resist the inner urge for stealing and help manage external emotional discomfort.

2: Medications:

• Antidepressant (SSRIs): Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have a function of normalizing serotonin levels in the brain, which depresses a lot of people who somehow experience kleptomania.
• Mood Stabilizing or Anti-Addictive Drug: In some cases, medications that can be used for mood stabilization or treatment of addiction to lesser degree can reduce stealing behavior by helping manage one’s impulsivity.

3: Support Groups:

• Support Groups Help: These groups allow people to share their experiences, learn ways to cope, and receive emotional support from others who have the same struggles. They help reduce feelings of loneliness and encourage open talks about living with kleptomania.

A top psychiatrist in Patna Bihar, can help manage kleptomania by offering tailored therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to address impulse control and underlying emotional triggers.

Experts like Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh may also prescribe medications to reduce urges and provide coping strategies, fostering long-term recovery and emotional well-being.

Impacts of Kleptomania

Kleptomania is a serious mental health problem that involves stealing or wanting to steal.

It doesn’t just affect stealing; it also impacts many important parts of a person’s life, like their relationships, emotions, legal issues, and money.

Personal Life: Strains Relationships Due to Secrecy and Legal Consequences

• Secrecy and Trust Issues: Kleptomaniacs often steal without telling their friends and family. This hiding can create problems and make loved ones feel confused or betrayed.
• Impact on Relationships: Stealing and the guilt that comes with it can harm relationships. Partners, family, and friends may struggle to understand the behavior, leading to arguments and sometimes even ending relationships.

Emotional Health: Leads to Guilt, Shame, and Anxiety

• Guilt and Shame: When someone steals due to kleptomania, they often feel bad afterward. They realize they did something wrong and feel regret. This can make them feel worse about themselves and lead to low self-esteem and self-blame, which doesn’t help their problem.
• Anxiety and Stress: People who steal often feel anxious, both before and after stealing. They may feel nervous before they steal and then worry about getting caught and judged afterward, which adds to their anxiety.

Legal Aspects: Heightening Chances of Arrest and Associated Lawsuits

• Legal Problems: Stealing can get you in trouble with the law. If you are caught stealing, you might be arrested, charged with a crime, or have to pay a fine. These legal issues can make it hard for you to get a job in the future and can isolate you from others.
• More Likely to Go to Jail: If you steal more than once, the penalties can be worse, like being on probation or going to jail. This fear of getting in trouble can increase feelings of anxiety and guilt.

Financial Consequences: Potential Fines or Penalties for Accused Items Theft

• Penalties and Fines: Kleptomania can cause money problems, not just emotional and legal issues. People caught stealing might have to pay fines or fees that can be hard to afford. Often, stolen items are not covered by insurance, so the person has to pay for them themselves.
• Job Loss and Financial Instability: Stealing can also lead to losing a job, especially if the person works in a position of trust or is caught stealing at work. This makes managing the condition harder because losing a job means losing income, which makes money problems worse.

How To Cure Kleptomaniac? Coping and Support

While kleptomania is a very difficult condition, it has several coping mechanisms available.

These coping mechanisms, together with a support system, can help make life somewhat livable for persons who have kleptomania.

These early interventions, appropriate treatment, and emotional assurance drastically improve life for individuals with kleptomania.

Seek Professional Help: Early Diagnosis and Treatment Improve Outcomes

• Therapy and Counseling: Professional therapy, especially Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), can help a person with kleptomania recognize triggers, develop emotional issues, and acquire healthy means to avoid stealing.
• Medication: In certain instances, medicines such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers will be prescribed for correcting the brain’s chemical imbalances and reducing impulsive behaviors.

To appropriately manage kleptomania, seeking the advice of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist is essential.

Become Aware: Knowledge About the Condition Makes Way for Less Self-Criticism

• Self-Awareness and Education: Knowing that kleptomania pertains to mental health and is not moral failure should help dispel feelings of guilt and self-blame. It helps bring understanding for behavior from the disorder and encourages seeking treatment without fear of judgment. Knowledge of the condition reduces stigma and enunciates a more compassionate approach toward symptom management.
• Self-Compassion: Self-compassion is perhaps the most important aspect of coming to terms with kleptomania. Admitting such a disorder and treating oneself kindly helps in overcoming the guilt and shame cycle and confronting the disorder more comfortably.

Build a Support Network: Friends, Family, and Support Groups Can Provide Emotional

• Support from Loved Ones: lreally very important as a person with kleptomania, to have a good support network made up of your friends and family. Talking to loved ones about the disorder will help them understand the issues faced by the person with kleptomania. This can reduce feelings of loneliness and create a better environment.
• Support Group: Being a part of a support group, live or online, will give a person an opportunity to be able to talk about their experience in front of people who understand their condition

As such, they are very useful in creating emotional validating space, providing practical strategies, and offering a sense of belonging, thus making the coping process easier.

Embrace Stress Coping Techniques: Mindfulness, Exercising, and Relaxation Responses

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness goes a long way in making the person aware of the emotions and triggers before a healthy response can take place.
• Meditation or even deep breaths cut down anxiety and promote relaxation, making it less difficult to refuse those urges.
• Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It releases endorphins, which make you feel good and help lessen feelings of anxiety and depression. Exercising every day can help a person deal with stress and emotional tension, instead of turning to negative behaviors like stealing.

Common Myths About Kleptomania and Stealing

There are many misconceptions about kleptomania and the nature of stealing, which can contribute to stigma and misunderstanding.

Here are some common myths and the facts that counter them:

Myth 1: Kleptomania is Just an Excuse for Theft

Fact: Kleptomania instead is a real psychiatric condition and not an alibi for stealing, which manifests itself in compulsive urges for stealing for psychological and emotional reasons.

Treatment by a mental health professional is necessary to help manage such impulses.

Myth 2: People with Kleptomania Are Always Poor

Fact: Kleptomaniac people are of all types; they can come from wealthy, middle-class, or poor families.

It is not a financial problem; rather, it is about stealing as a compulsion.

There could be other motives behind stealing things that are not needed.

Myth 3: Therapy isn’t effective in treating the kleptomaniac.

Fact: Therapy has been shown to be exceptionally beneficial in managing kleptomania.

The most relevant would have been Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Medication may also be used to help normalize brain chemistry and suppress impulsivity.

With proper management, a person can be trained not to refuse these impulses, reducing the amount of stealing they engage in.

Conclusion

Kleptomania is more than theft. Unlike ordinary theft, it involves irresistible urges to steal, followed by guilt and shame.

It is a complex phenomenon that needs compassion, understanding, and treatment.

Effective treatments like CBT, medication (SSRIs), and support groups can help manage symptoms and reduce relapse risks.

If you or someone you know struggles with these behaviors, consulting the best psychiatrist in Kankarbagh Patna is the first step toward recovery.

With professional help, individuals can regain control, improve their quality of life, and break free from the cycle of kleptomania.

Recovery is possible.