At its simplest definition, Kleptomania is a psychological impairment where someone feels unable to stop themselves from stealing something even if they don’t want it and the item doesn’t have much worth.
Though not too common – Kleptomania can affect one severely emotionally if untreated. It’s one of the impulse control disorders wherein people struggle with controlling their feelings or behavior. For some – this irresistible urge to steal happens without them knowing about it first; there isn’t time for planning the crime ahead of time.
While closely related to shoplifting in various aspects discussed below. The major distinction between Kleptomania and Shoplifting is that shoplifters know what they will take beforehand. At the same time, they plan thefts so that these take place when other places nearby are busy, often so as not to be noticed immediately by authorities.
What is Shoplifting
Shoplifting is stealing merchandise from a store without paying for it. Typically, the person walks out with the stolen goods and then pockets them or throws them away later.
Shoplifters usually try to steal items to make up for a lack in their lives, whether it be material things or personal contact with other people. It is estimated that shoplifting costs retailers about $10 billion annually in America.
What is Kleptomania
Kleptomania is a psychological condition involving repeated stealing, even when the person knows it’s wrong and feels bad about it afterward.
The impulse to steal can be so strong that people with Kleptomania find themselves doing things they never imagined they would do– like breaking into someone’s house or car to steal something or taking items from coworkers’ desks without asking.
Key Differences Between Kleptomania and Shoplifting
Kleptomania and shoplifting deal with people taking items that do not belong to them without permission. However, while both involve the same action, there are some significant differences between the two. Kleptomaniacs typically don’t plan to steal beforehand.
Instead, they only take things when they have an impulse control problem. Kleptomaniacs also usually feel a lot of guilt after completing a theft, making it hard for them to continue doing it.
On the other hand, shoplifters often make plans before stealing something and do it for financial reasons or peer pressure, among others (including drug habits).
In truth, there are seven categories of shoplifters – including kleptomaniacs – but all share one thing in common: needing instant gratification from what they take
Shoplifting Addiction How It Works– The Cycle of Shoplifting
While shoplifting addiction is closely related to Kleptomania—they’re different. The main difference is that shoplifting addiction causes the addict tremendous anxiety before their outing to steal.
Typically, the shoplifting addict is experiencing issues in life, and stealing serves as a way to make things right – committing a crime in anger over it – because he doesn’t care about living anymore. Shoplifting Addiction is defined as-An overpowering need/desire for shoplifting items.
Constant tension and pressure before going out for shoplifting with repetitive thoughts about stealing are coupled with a brief period where we feel relieved once we steal something from wherever. It’s also used as an outlet for anxiety, anger, or just trying to set things right in life if you feel like you don’t care whether you live anymore or not.
Kleptomania – How It Works – “The Cycle of Stealing
Kleptomania is a disorder often marked by impulsive episodes of stealing. These episodes come abruptly, typically without any warning or clear motivation, and typically end with the thief concealing what they’ve just taken – but sometimes not.
After each episode comes feelings of regret, worry about being caught in possession of the said item(s), guilt, and depression. Nonetheless, these bouts can happen again at any moment – though not always to the same degree as before. (There are still many individuals who continue stealing items for financial gain when others would have quit).
One similarity between Kleptomania and other impulsive control disorders is that the perpetrator usually gets an intense feeling that must immediately be satisfied. This leads them to steal one item at a time throughout multiple stints to lessen some buildup pressure – whether internal or external.
Kleptomania – It Is NOT A Character Flaw
Kleptomania is a form of anxiety disorder, not a character flaw. We blame their compulsive acts, which fuel the guilt they feel when they cannot stop stealing.
It cannot be overcome through sheer willpower alone–instead, it requires professional mental health treatment
Kleptomania Is Rare – A Diagnosis Is Uncommon
A kleptomania diagnosis is so uncommon that when there is an official medical diagnosis -that diagnosis deserves to be taken seriously. Kleptomania has been estimated to affect only 0.3% of the general population, though this figure may vary depending on how one defines the general population.
Most people who have it develop the symptoms during their teen years or early 20s, although some cases arise later than that or even in middle age; out of all those diagnosed with Kleptomania, two-thirds are female.
Kleptomania CAN Be Treated and Should NOT Be Punished
Kleptomania is defined as a compelling desire to steal, which has become compulsive. It does not happen with premeditation or planning but rather seems out of one’s control.
Individuals suffering from this disorder can experience intense anxiety when attempting to resist the compulsion to steal but relief once they give in and commit a theft.
Kleptomania has been a long-standing mystery in the psychological community, but recent research sheds light on this disorder.
Counseling or therapy for Kleptomania can take place in one of three ways: it can be individualized, it can occur in a group setting, or it can happen within the family unit. Treatment options include:
- Behavioral modification
- Family Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
While some experts are still unclear about the causes and consequences, it’s clear that Kleptomania should not be punished with jail time or fines and should be treated as a severe mental health condition.
