Admin Table of Contents
How can you tell if someone is a Klepto?
Symptoms
- Inability to resist powerful urges to steal items that you don’t need.
- Feeling increased tension, anxiety or arousal leading up to the theft.
- Feeling pleasure, relief or gratification while stealing.
- Feeling terrible guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after the theft.
Can kleptomania be diagnosed?
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.
Are kleptomaniacs aware?
DSM-5 notes that the theft is not done to express anger or vengeance, or in response to a delusion or hallucination. Some kleptomaniacs are not even consciously aware that they are committing a theft until later.
Is stealing morally acceptable in some situations?
Usually one action, though morally right, violates another ethical standard. A classic example is stealing to feed your family. Stealing is legally and ethically wrong, but if your family is starving it might be morally justified.
How do you help a Klepto?
Coping and support
- Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed and attend scheduled therapy sessions.
- Educate yourself.
- Identify your triggers.
- Get treatment for substance abuse or other mental health problems.
- Find healthy outlets.
- Learn relaxation and stress management.
- Stay focused on your goal.
Why do I want to steal things?
Stealing may be caused by jealousy, low self-esteem, or peer-pressure. Social issues like feeling excluded or overlooked can also cause stealing. People may steal to prove their independence, to act out against family or friends, or because they don’t respect others or themselves.
Why does it feel good to steal?
People with kleptomania feel strong urges to steal, with anxiety, tension, and arousal leading up to the theft and feeling pleasure and relief during the theft. Many kleptomaniacs also feel guilty or remorseful after the act of stealing is over, but are later unable to resist the urge.
What is it called when you’re obsessed with fire?
Pyromania is a type of impulse control disorder that is characterized by being unable to resist starting fires. People with pyromania know that setting fires is harmful. But setting fires is the only way they can relieve their built-up tension, anxiety, or arousal.