What is the most effective treatment for kleptomania?

Two of the most common treatments for kleptomania include: Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as well as other antidepressants, have shown effectiveness in treating the symptoms of kleptomania10 and may be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy.

How do you help a kleptomaniac?

Coping and support

1. Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed and attend scheduled therapy sessions.
2. Educate yourself.
3. Identify your triggers.
4. Get treatment for substance abuse or other mental health problems.
5. Find healthy outlets.
6. Learn relaxation and stress management.
7. Stay focused on your goal.

How do you treat compulsive stealing?

Although there’s no cure for kleptomania, treatment with medication or talk therapy (psychotherapy) may help to end the cycle of compulsive stealing.

How do you get diagnosed with kleptomania?

There are no tests — such as X-rays or blood tests — to diagnose kleptomania, although tests might be used to rule out any physical cause for the behavior, such as a head injury or brain disorder.

How can I help my friend with kleptomania?

Kleptomania must be treated. It usually involves a combination of medication and talk therapy, as well as participation in support groups. While there are no medications specifically made for kleptomania, the physician may prescribe addiction medications which are intended to minimize the urge to steal.

How do you talk to someone at kleptomania?

Following are three things you can do to help a friend who’s a kleptomaniac. Be compassionate. Give as much care and understanding as you possibly can. Let your friend know they are loved and appreciated, but that they do need help on a clinical level.

Is stealing a psychological problem?

Kleptomania, or compulsive stealing, is a common cause of theft that many forget about. This type of stealing is about a psychological compulsion instead of a desire to profit or gain something material or financial, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.

Is kleptomania a crime?

Though kleptomania is a legitimate mental health condition recognized by the medical establishment, it cannot be used as a legal criminal defense. In other words, an individual is fully responsible for their stealing activity and can be prosecuted despite a diagnosis of kleptomania.

What do kleptomaniacs steal?

Is kleptomania a mental illness?

Kleptomania is a mental disorder characterised by an uncontrolled and obsessive impulse to steal. In psychiatry it is considered as an impulse control disorder, which means the person with the disorder has problems resisting the temptation to perform acts which are harmful to either themselves or others.

Can medication cure kleptomania?

Anti-seizure medications, such as topiramate and valproic acid, have also helped in treating kleptomania symptoms in some people. There is no one right way to treat kleptomania, and no medication or therapy works for all people.

How to help a friend with kleptomania?

Method 4 of 4: Providing Support Learn about kleptomania. Another way you can help and support someone with kleptomania is to learn as much about the condition as you can. Encourage the person to engage in healthy hobbies. Part of the reason why people steal is because they get a rush of euphoria from it. Suggest doing an activity together. Make a pact to exercise together.

Is kleptomania a legal defense for stealing?

Kleptomania cannot be considered a legal defense to stealing – not even an insanity defense. Individuals are held responsible for their actions unless it can be clearly proven that they completely lack a sense self-control.

What do you need to know about kleptomania?

Overview. Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need and that usually have little value.