Table of Contents
- 1 What is the most effective treatment for kleptomania?
- 2 Which medication appears to have some effectiveness in the treatment of kleptomania?
- 3 How can I help my kleptomaniac child?
- 4 What does kleptomania stem from?
- 5 How can I help my child with kleptomania?
- 6 What do Kleptomaniacs do with it?
- 7 How to help a friend with kleptomania?
- 8 What do you need to know about kleptomania?
What is the most effective treatment for kleptomania?
Your doctor may consider prescribing:
- An addiction medication called naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, which may reduce the urges and pleasure associated with stealing.
- An antidepressant — specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- Other medications or a combination of medications.
Which medication appears to have some effectiveness in the treatment of kleptomania?
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 25 patients who were administered naltrexone showed significant improvement in kleptomania. Topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug, has been shown to be effective in impulse control disorders, and recently topiramate demonstrated efficacy in treating binge eating.
How can kleptomania be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent kleptomania. However, getting treatment as soon as symptoms appear might help decrease any possible disruption to the person’s life, family and friendships.
How can I help my kleptomaniac child?
Kleptomania is extremely difficult to treat alone, so getting medical help is a necessity for most who experience it. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medications, which can address triggers and causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most commonly used to treat kleptomania.
What does kleptomania stem from?
The cause of kleptomania is not known. Several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania. More research is needed to better understand these possible causes, but kleptomania may be linked to: Problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin.
How often do kleptomaniacs steal?
How common is kleptomania? Although shoplifting is common, true kleptomania is quite rare (0.3 to 0.6 percent of the general population).
How can I help my child with kleptomania?
What do Kleptomaniacs do with it?
A person with kleptomania has a recurring drive to steal that he or she cannot resist, stealing items for the sake of stealing, not because they need or want the items, or because they cannot afford to buy them.
Can medication cure kleptomania?
Anti-seizure medications, such as topiramate and valproic acid, have also helped in treating kleptomania symptoms in some people. There is no one right way to treat kleptomania, and no medication or therapy works for all people.
How to help a friend with kleptomania?
Method 4 of 4: Providing Support Learn about kleptomania. Another way you can help and support someone with kleptomania is to learn as much about the condition as you can. Encourage the person to engage in healthy hobbies. Part of the reason why people steal is because they get a rush of euphoria from it. Suggest doing an activity together. Make a pact to exercise together.
What do you need to know about kleptomania?
Overview. Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need and that usually have little value.
What are the symptoms of kleptomania?
The symptoms of kleptomania are: Taking objects on impulse, without planning ahead. Repeatedly taking things that are not valuable or needed for personal use. Feeling very tense right before a theft. Feeling pleasure or relief at the time of the theft.