![]() ![]() In some ways, kleptomania resembles substance abuse disorders, which are driven by the dopamine response. Impulse-control behaviors, such as compulsive gambling, shopping, or eating, have also been observed in Parkinson’s disease patients who are taking drugs that increase their dopamine levels. Some studies have suggested that low serotonin levels might cause restlessness and impulsivity, both of which are key components of stealing behaviors in kleptomania. Scientists have not yet determined precisely how either of these chemicals might work to create the behaviors, but some suspect that a complex interaction of both might be responsible. The two prime suspects are serotonin, a brain chemical essential for regulating mood, and dopamine, which produces feelings of pleasure when released in the brain. Researchers have searched for the brain chemicals that may be responsible for stealing behaviors in people with kleptomania. Other types of therapy sometimes used to treat kleptomania include covert sensitization, aversion therapy, and systematic desensitization. This process focuses on helping the patient identify a pattern of harmful thoughts and construct strategies and solutions for dealing with them that don’t interfere with functionality. The most commonly used therapeutic approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Mood stabilizing drugs such as lithium, an Alzheimer’s drug called memantine, and anti-convulsant medications have all been proposed to treat kleptomania. ![]() Naltrexone, a medication used to treat substance use disorders, has effectively treated some cases of kleptomania. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be used to treat kleptomania. Several different medications may be used to treat and manage the symptoms of kleptomania, and individual medication plans depend on the patient’s responsiveness to treatments and the severity of their symptoms. Kleptomania currently has no cure, but a combination of medications and psychotherapy may effectively reduce the severity of symptoms in many patients. Stealing behavior isn’t better explained by antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder, or mania.Stealing is not motivated by anger, revenge, or hallucinations.Feelings of tension before stealing, pleasure while stealing, and remorse, guilt, or shame after stealing.Recurrent urges to steal items that have no value (financial or otherwise) to the patient.The diagnostic criteria for kleptomania include: Comparing these criteria will help a mental health professional decide whether the symptoms indicate kleptomania or another psychiatric problem (obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, anxiety disorders, or depression). The results of the psychological assessments will be compared to the diagnostic criteria for kleptomania in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Family members or caregivers may also be asked to participate in these assessments. These assessments may take the form of questionnaires or talk sessions with a mental health professional to assess the patient’s mood, mental state, and mental health history. Screenings for drugs and alcohol may also be conducted to rule out symptoms caused by substance abuse. ![]() These tests will look at the patient’s blood chemistry for issues such as thyroid function. This exam will rule out physical conditions that could be causing the symptoms. If the symptoms seem to meet the diagnostic criteria for kleptomania, the patient will likely be referred to a mental health professional for further assessment. To diagnose kleptomania, a doctor will first rule out other potential medical causes of the symptoms. People with kleptomania often have at least one other co-existing mental illness. Women account for about two-thirds of diagnosed kleptomania cases. Kleptomania usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. Dopamine is often associated with addictive behaviors, and it may play a role in kleptomania as well. Kleptomania may also be related to the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that causes feelings of pleasure. People with impulse control disorders often have low levels of the neurotransmitter chemical serotonin. Having a parent, sibling, or child who has been diagnosed with kleptomania or a substance use disorder increases the chance that you will also be diagnosed with the condition. Doctors and researchers have not yet determined the precise cause of kleptomania, but they have identified several risk factors that increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the disorder. ![]()
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