Kleptomania is a serious disorder that could land you or your loved one in jail. Most children learn their lesson early in life that taking things that do not belong to them is not okay. It is a lesson that most take into adulthood and pass on to the next generation. In some children and adults the desire to take things does not end. It is possible that a child gets some form of reinforcement from stealing or is asked to steal for the good of the family. At some point the behavior becomes habit and that habit leads to a compulsion. A person that steals uncontrollably gains some chemical feedback from the pleasure center of the brain due to the release of endorphins associated with the possibility of getting caught. Those at risk for Kleptomania often live in homes where limits and boundaries are not clearly set. There might be rules that are not enforced or only enforced sometimes. There could be other disorders such as an impulse control disorder or mood disorder. It is important that if compulsive stealing is noticed in a child that it be confronted immediately. Treatment becomes more difficult the longer the behavior is allowed to happen.
Signs
A sign that your child might have Kleptomania is the presence of items that you did not purchase and that the child has no way of obtaining. If the child is older and has more independence you may notice that there are items that have theft deterrent devices still connected to them or removed. Those with Kleptomania might be opportunistic and will steal things that are easy targets from places they might not get caught. Some might be more calculated and can get a thrill out of stealing things that are difficult to steal. Someone with Kleptomania will steal from family and friends as well as stores or school. When confronted about new items the child might have different excuses such as a friend gave it to them or they won it in a contest. It is also possible that the child will get very defensive when asked more questions about the item and try to deflect the focus from the item and onto an argument. Sometimes a person with Kleptomania will steal things to return them to the store for cash or gift cards. There might be a specific item they steal all the time or random objects. Normally, they will steal things that they do not need or things they have the money to purchase. This disorder is about the thrill of stealing and not necessarily about the items being stolen.
Treatment
Treatment for this disorder can be short term if the behavior is caught early. Depending on the reasoning of the client the mode of counseling will differ. This will also depend on the age of the client. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used to teach the client new behaviors that will replace the behavior of stealing. Relaxation techniques are important to disrupt the need to steal when there is the opportunity. It might be necessary to get the child to return items that have been stolen or inform store managers to look out for your child in stores you or your child frequents. There could be legal charges if the child is of age or there could be community service mandated to pay back the stores for stolen items. This is an important part of breaking the cycle along with techniques used in counseling. Being culpable for the behavior and knowing that the chance of being caught is higher can reduce the excitement of stealing for some. Kleptomania is generally a treatable disorder and can stay in remission if the family or caregivers are cognizant of the behavior, sets clear rules, and enforces consequences.
