The Basics
This is the common name for the mental health condition where a person has an uncontrollable urge to steal.
Kleptomania.
Right before the theft, a person feels an increase in _________.
stress, tension, or anxiety
Most items stolen by someone with kleptomania have very little ______, meaning they aren't worth much money.
value
This chemical in the brain, which helps regulate mood, is often low in people with impulse problems.
serotonin
If you have urges to steal, you should contact a professional for _______.
therapy or help
Someone with kleptomania usually steals things they don’t actually ________.
need or want
While the person is actually stealing, they often feel a sense of ________.
relief, pleasure, or arousal
Many people with kleptomania could easily afford to _______ instead of stealing.
buy the items
This other brain chemical is released during stealing, causing a "rewarding" or pleasurable feeling.
dopamine
Many people don't seek help because they feel ______"
shame, or embarrassed
True or False: Kleptomania is the same thing as typical shoplifting for profit.
false.
Once the theft is over, the person usually feels a lot of _______, because they know they did something wrong.
guilt, shame, regret, or remorse
Because they don't need the items, the person might give them away to friends or_______.
family
The Mayo Clinic notes that having a blood relative (like a parent) with this condition may ________ your risk.
increase
Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy and _______, which a doctor prescribes.
medication
This word describes the sudden, strong "push" or desire to steal that a person feels.
urge (or impulse)
True or False: People with kleptomania steal because they want to get revenge on the store.
false
Sometimes, the person will secretly do this with the item, putting it back where they found it.
return it
People with kleptomania often struggle with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or_______.
depression
If left untreated, kleptomania can lead to serious problems, including being ________ by the police.
arrested or convicted
Unlike a professional thief, a person with kleptomania usually acts ________ rather than in a group.
alone
The Mayo Clinic describes the process as a "cycle" because the urges eventually______.
come back or repeat
Often, the stolen items are simply hidden away and never ________.
used
Kleptomania is sometimes linked to this brain system that regulates urges, starting with the letter "O."
opioid system
Because it is a mental health condition, you should talk to a doctor or one of these professionals who listens to your problems and helps you find ways to cope.
therapist or counselor