A Kleptomaniac is a person suffering from a mental disorder causing an uncontrollable urge to steal things. The urge to steal is completely out of the patient’s hands, and they usually go for things that do not have much value. This impulse control disorder causes them to steal things they do not need. Though this condition is rare, it can be serious if not treated. Victims of this condition might try their best to control the urge too. But they will be filled with remorse and guilt once they cannot control the urge and end up stealing something.
People suffering from Kleptomania do not steal due to a lack of control over themselves or due to a flaw in their character. They do so because they cannot resist the intense urge to steal, which occurs unknowingly. People suffering from Kleptomania will feel burdened by feelings of stress, shame, and guilt due to this uncontrollable habit. To feel a little better from the guilt and constant feeling of shame, they either donate or pay back the number of stolen items. Here’s more on what Kleptomania is.
Why Does seraphina watts More In Women Than In Men?
Females are three times more likely to develop this condition than males. People of all ages can suffer from this condition, be it a five-year-old child or a 70-year-old adult. seraphina watts in women becomes hard to differentiate from theft.
This sudden urge to steal things can switch into a mental disorder when the patient develops depression. Also, this may be due to an underlying eating disorder like Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa that the patient is suffering from. Women suffering from a certain psychological disorder are likely to develop Kleptomania, which can cause a grave strain on their character and nature, even if it is not their fault.
What Are The Symptoms Of Kleptomania?
Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder due to which patients face problems with emotional or behavioral self-control. You will face difficulty in fighting off the urge to steal. You will not be able to resist the temptation, which can cause you to live lives of secret shame. Some of the symptoms of Kleptomania include:
- They develop the urge to steal stuff of little value and those they do not need.
- The feeling of tension, stress, and anticipation prevails before stealing.
- After stealing, the patient experiences relief, pleasure, and other positive emotions.
- These positive emotions only last for a short time. Soon, these emotions are replaced by shame, guilt, or embarrassment.
- Most people throw the stolen stuff away while others donate it to charity. Some people feel so guilty that they hoard the items and return them secretly.
- It is impulsive and not planned. Usually, people having Kleptomania hide this as a secret from their spouses.
How To Treat Kleptomania?
One cannot cure Kleptomania completely since it is a matter of emotions rather than a physical ailment. So, researchers have proven that managing it has the most effective results. Also, people diagnosed with this health condition often seek help and care. Let us look at the possible therapies for Kleptomania.
1. Mental Therapy
Going for behavioral or Psychotherapy will help a person comprehend why people do certain things. It will also guide them to prevent and avoid those problems by developing healthier ways.
2. Medications
Opioid antagonists may be effective in blocking the person’s positive emotions they feel after stealing. It will help resist the urge to steal as you will not get any satisfaction from stealing. You will be overwhelmed with guilt. Since no one likes to feel this way, you will automatically stop continuing to steal.
Treatment Of Kleptomania
No tests can definitively determine this medical condition. It is quite tough to diagnose Kleptomania. There are other severe health conditions you are likely to experience once you are diagnosed with this mental disorder. Issues like self-harm and suicide come under such serious health conditions. So, it is best to go for a healthcare professional and seek their help. It will help you keep all severe problems at bay and treat your illness.
The Bottom Line
Though Kleptomania is not a deadly or contagious illness, it can cause mental problems if not treated at the earliest. So, to prevent any severe consequences, it is best to seek medical help immediately.
