Kleptomania
Etiologia i przyczyny

Kleptomania to zaburzenie kontroli impulsów charakteryzujące się nieodpartą potrzebą kradzieży przedmiotów bez wartości użytkowej lub materialnej. Etiologia jest wieloczynnikowa, obejmująca dysfunkcje neurobiologiczne, takie jak zaburzenia równowagi neuroprzekaźników: serotoniny (wpływającej na regulację nastroju i impulsywności), dopaminy (związanej z układem nagrody) oraz układu opioidowego (regulującego impulsy). Badania neuroobrazowe wskazują na zmniejszoną integralność mikrostrukturalną istoty białej w brzuszno-przyśrodkowych regionach mózgu oraz uszkodzenia obwodów orbitofrontalno-podkorowych. Czynniki genetyczne mogą odpowiadać nawet za 60% ryzyka rozwoju kleptomanii, zwłaszcza przy obecności zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsyjnych lub uzależnień w rodzinie. Kleptomania często współwystępuje z zaburzeniami nastroju (depresja, zaburzenia dwubiegunowe), lękowymi (w tym OCD), zaburzeniami odżywiania (bulimia) oraz zaburzeniami związanymi z używaniem substancji, co wskazuje na wspólne mechanizmy patofizjologiczne i wymaga kompleksowego podejścia terapeutycznego.

Etiologia kleptomanii

Kleptomania to zaburzenie psychiczne charakteryzujące się nawracającą, niemożliwą do opanowania potrzebą kradzieży przedmiotów, które nie są potrzebne do użytku osobistego ani ze względu na ich wartość materialną. W przeciwieństwie do zwykłej kradzieży, kleptomania nie jest powodowana brakiem siły woli, samokontroli czy wadą charakteru, ale stanowi rzeczywisty stan medyczny, w którym osoba nie posiada zdolności do opierania się impulsowi kradzieży1. Dokładna etiologia kleptomanii pozostaje nadal niejasna, jednak badania naukowe wskazują na szereg potencjalnych czynników przyczyniających się do rozwoju tego zaburzenia.

Czynniki neurobiologiczne

Badania sugerują, że kleptomania może być związana z nieprawidłowościami biochemicznymi i neurologicznymi w mózgu1. Osoby z kleptomanią częściej wykazują pewne różnice w strukturze mózgu, szczególnie w obszarach odpowiedzialnych za kontrolę impulsów i hamowanie zachowań12.

Jednym z kluczowych czynników neurobiologicznych wydaje się być zaburzenie równowagi neuroprzekaźników w mózgu:

  • Serotonina – problemy z naturalnie występującym w mózgu neuroprzekaźnikiem zwanym serotoniną mogą przyczyniać się do rozwoju kleptomanii. Serotonina pomaga regulować nastroje i emocje, a niskie poziomy serotoniny są często spotykane u osób skłonnych do zachowań impulsywnych12. Zaburzenia funkcjonowania szlaków serotoninergicznych w korze przedczołowej brzuszno-przyśrodkowej mogą leżeć u podstaw złego podejmowania decyzji obserwowanego u osób z kleptomanią1.
  • Dopamina – kradzież może powodować uwalnianie dopaminy, innego neuroprzekaźnika, który wywołuje uczucie przyjemności. Niektóre osoby poszukują tego nagradzającego uczucia wielokrotnie1. Badania wskazują, że kleptomania może być związana z dysfunkcją szlaku dopaminowego układu nagrody w mózgu1.
  • Układ opioidowy mózgu – impulsy są regulowane przez układ opioidowy mózgu. Brak równowagi w tym systemie może utrudniać opieranie się impulsom12. Badania wykazały, że antagoniści receptorów opioidowych wydają się zmniejszać przymus kradzieży i tłumić „przypływ” typowo doświadczany bezpośrednio po kradzieży przez niektóre osoby z kleptomanią1.

Badania neuroobrazowe wykazały zmniejszoną integralność mikrostrukturalną istoty białej w brzuszno-przyśrodkowych regionach mózgu u osób z kleptomanią w porównaniu do grupy kontrolnej1. Uszkodzenia obwodów orbitofrontalno-podkorowych mózgu były również zgłaszane jako przyczyna kleptomanii2.

Czynniki genetyczne

Istnieją dowody sugerujące, że czynniki genetyczne mogą odgrywać rolę w rozwoju kleptomanii:

  • Niektóre badania wskazują na komponent genetyczny jako jedną z przyczyn kleptomanii1.
  • Genetyka może również odgrywać rolę w rozwoju kleptomanii – jeśli ktoś ma członka rodziny z kleptomanią, ma większą szansę na rozwój tego samego zaburzenia1.
  • Ryzyko rozwinięcia kleptomanii zwiększa się, gdy osoba ma krewnego pierwszego stopnia (takiego jak rodzic lub rodzeństwo) z kleptomanią, zaburzeniami obsesyjno-kompulsywnymi lub zaburzeniami związanymi z używaniem substancji12.

Badania sugerują, że impulsywność ma tendencję do występowania w całej rodzinie1. Czynniki genetyczne mogą stanowić nawet do 60% ryzyka rozwoju kleptomanii i innych zaburzeń kontroli impulsów, według badania Brewer JA i wsp. z 2008 roku, „The Neurobiology and Genetics of Impulse Control Disorders”1.

Współwystępowanie z innymi zaburzeniami psychicznymi

Kleptomania często współwystępuje z innymi zaburzeniami psychicznymi, co może wskazywać na wspólne mechanizmy biologiczne lub psychologiczne:

  • Zaburzenia nastroju – w tym depresja i zaburzenia dwubiegunowe są często obserwowane u osób z kleptomanią12. Badacze uważają, że kleptomania może być nieprzystosowawczą odpowiedzią na depresyjny stan nastroju1.
  • Zaburzenia lękowe – w tym zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsywne (OCD) często współwystępują z kleptomanią1. Niektórzy klinicyści postrzegają kleptomanię jako część spektrum zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsywnych, ponieważ wiele osób doświadcza impulsu do kradzieży jako niechcianej intruzji w ich umysłach1.
  • Zaburzenia odżywiania – szczególnie bulimia nerwowa, są często diagnozowane u osób z kleptomanią1.
  • Zaburzenia związane z używaniem substancji – w tym alkoholu i nikotyny, są częste u osób z kleptomanią1. Kleptomania może być postrzegana jako forma zachowania uzależniającego2.
  • Zaburzenia osobowości – osoby z kleptomanią często mają współistniejące zaburzenia osobowości1.

Około 85% osób zdiagnozowanych z kleptomanią ma również współwystępujące zaburzenia psychiczne, np. zaburzenia nastroju takie jak duża depresja, zgodnie z badaniem Saluja B i wsp. z 2010 roku zatytułowanym „Kleptomania: A Case Series”, opublikowanym w Singapore Medical Journal1.

Czynniki psychologiczne

Różne teorie psychologiczne próbowały wyjaśnić etiologię kleptomanii:

Podejście psychoanalityczne

Teorie psychoanalityczne łączą kompulsywną kradzież z traumą dzieciństwa i zaniedbującymi lub krzywdzącymi rodzicami1. Według tego podejścia, kradzież może symbolizować odzyskiwanie strat z dzieciństwa2. Niektórzy psychoanalitycy sugerują, że kleptomania jest próbą osoby „uzyskania symbolicznej rekompensaty za rzeczywistą lub przewidywaną stratę”1.

Badacze sugerują również, że kleptomania może być związana z traumą dzieciństwa, zaniedbującymi lub krzywdzącymi rodzicami, tłumieniem seksualnym i próbą kompensacji poczucia straty w życiu poprzez kradzież1.

Podejście poznawczo-behawioralne

Modele poznawczo-behawioralne zastępują modele psychoanalityczne w opisywaniu rozwoju kleptomanii1. Wyjaśnienia poznawczo-behawioralne sugerują, że zaburzenie może się rozpocząć, gdy jednostka jest pozytywnie wzmacniana za kradzież czegoś1.

Nawyk wyuczony – impulsy mogą być bardzo nieprzyjemne. Odpowiadanie na te impulsy poprzez kradzież powoduje tymczasowe zmniejszenie dystresu i ulgę od tych impulsów. Tworzy to silny nawyk, który staje się trudny do złamania1.

Stres i trauma

Stres i trauma są innymi potencjalnymi przyczynami kleptomanii. Trauma psychologiczna, szczególnie w młodym wieku, może wywołać rozwój kleptomanii i innych zaburzeń kontroli impulsów1.

Ważnym czynnikiem, który należy wziąć pod uwagę, jest trauma i depresja spowodowana traumatycznymi wydarzeniami życiowymi1. Badania wykazały, że kleptomani często zgłaszają brak poczucia własnej wartości, trudne dzieciństwo i konflikty małżeńskie1.

Dla wielu kleptomanów kradzież może służyć jako sposób radzenia sobie z negatywnymi emocjami i podstawowym stresem psychologicznym. Akt kradzieży może zapewniać tymczasową ulgę od dyskomfortu emocjonalnego lub służyć jako odwrócenie uwagi od problemów w innych obszarach życia1.

Czynniki środowiskowe

Czynniki środowiskowe mogą również przyczyniać się do rozwoju i nasilenia kleptomanii:

  • Wczesne doświadczenia życiowe – traumatyczne wydarzenia lub doświadczenia z dzieciństwa, takie jak przemoc, zaniedbanie lub utrata, mogą zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju kleptomanii w późniejszym życiu1.
  • Dynamika rodzinna – dzieci, które doświadczają niespójnej dyscypliny, zaniedbania lub narażenia na zachowania przestępcze, mogą być bardziej narażone na rozwój kleptomanii1.
  • Znaczące zmiany życiowe – utrata bliskiej osoby, problemy finansowe, problemy w związkach – mogą wypchnąć kleptomanię na pierwszy plan strategii radzenia sobie2.
  • Dostępność okazji – łatwy dostęp do przedmiotów do kradzieży, takich jak w środowiskach handlu detalicznego, może dostarczać bodźców dla osób z kleptomanią do działania zgodnie z ich impulsami1.
  • Wpływy społeczne – obserwowanie lub słyszenie o innych zaangażowanych w zachowania związane z kradzieżą może normalizować takie działania i wpływać na osoby z kleptomanią, aby angażowały się w podobne zachowania2.

Czynniki ryzyka

Zidentyfikowano kilka czynników ryzyka, które mogą zwiększać podatność na rozwój kleptomanii:

  • Płeć – badania wykazały, że kleptomania jest częstsza u kobiet niż u mężczyzn. Kobiety po trzydziestce z zaburzeniami psychicznymi są bardziej narażone na rozwój tej tendencji1. Wśród osób zdiagnozowanych przypada 3 kobiety na 1 mężczyznę, co oznacza, że zaburzenie to jest głównie diagnozowane u kobiet1.
  • Wiek – zaburzenie to zazwyczaj rozpoczyna się w okresie dojrzewania i jest mniej powszechne u dzieci1. Kleptomania generalnie ma swój początek w późnej adolescencji lub wczesnej dorosłości1.
  • Historia rodzinna – posiadanie krewnego z kleptomanią, problemami z alkoholem lub zaburzeniami obsesyjno-kompulsywnymi może zwiększać ryzyko1.
  • Urazy głowy – odnotowano przypadki kleptomanii rozwijającej się po urazie głowy1. Urazy głowy lub mózgu oraz zaburzenia mózgu, takie jak demencja lub padaczka, mogą również prowadzić do tendencji kleptomanicznych1.

Kleptomania jako zaburzenie kontroli impulsów

Kleptomania jest klasyfikowana jako zaburzenie kontroli impulsów1. Badania wykazały, że ma ona cechy wspólne z zaburzeniami uzależnieniowymi (zaburzenie używania substancji, zaburzenie hazardowe) i zaburzeniami obsesyjno-kompulsywnymi2.

Osoby z kleptomanią często zdobywają niski wynik w uspołecznieniu, ale wysoki w impulsywności i poszukiwaniu nowości1. Badanie z 2018 roku wykazało, że osoby z kleptomanią, które dopuszczały się kradzieży sklepowych, zgłaszały wysoki poziom impulsywności. Impulsywność może prowadzić do nagłych, nieplanowanych aktów kradzieży bez rozważania konsekwencji1.

Wpływ psychologiczny traumy upośledza kontrolę impulsów i zdolności podejmowania decyzji. Osoby z kleptomanią doświadczają przytłaczających przymusów kradzieży, napędzanych impulsywnymi myślami, którym trudno się oprzeć1.

Kleptomania a współwystępujące zaburzenia

Ważnym aspektem etiologii kleptomanii jest jej częste współwystępowanie z innymi zaburzeniami psychicznymi. Badania sugerują, że czynniki biologiczne, takie jak nierównowaga neuroprzekaźników, mogą łączyć te zaburzenia1.

Zaburzenia, które często współwystępują z kleptomanią, obejmują:

  • Zaburzenia nastroju – w tym depresja i zaburzenia dwubiegunowe są często diagnozowane u osób z kleptomanią12. Badanie studentów college’u wykazało, że przymusy kradzieży były związane z gorszymi objawami depresyjnymi, wyższym poziomem stresu i kilkoma zaburzeniami psychicznymi1.
  • Zaburzenia lękowezaburzenia lękowe są częste u osób z kleptomanią1. Niektórzy klinicyści postrzegają kleptomanię jako część spektrum zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsywnych1.
  • Zaburzenia odżywiania – szczególnie bulimia nerwowa, często współwystępują z kleptomanią1.
  • Zaburzenia związane z używaniem substancji – w tym alkoholu i nikotyny, są często diagnozowane u osób z kleptomanią1. Abstynencja od alkoholu może skutkować utratą działania anksjolitycznego alkoholu i przyczynić się do wzrostu przymusu kradzieży1.
  • Zaburzenia osobowości – osoby z kleptomanią często mają współistniejące zaburzenia osobowości1.

Wzajemne powiązania kleptomanii z lękiem, depresją, zaburzeniami osobowości i używaniem substancji podkreślają potrzebę kompleksowego podejścia do leczenia, które uwzględnia te współwystępujące schorzenia1.

Wnioski

Etiologia kleptomanii jest złożona i obejmuje interakcję czynników neurobiologicznych, genetycznych, psychologicznych i środowiskowych. Chociaż dokładne przyczyny kleptomanii pozostają niejasne, badania sugerują, że zaburzenia w funkcjonowaniu neuroprzekaźników, szczególnie serotoniny, dopaminy i układu opioidowego, mogą odgrywać kluczową rolę w rozwoju tego zaburzenia12.

Kleptomania jest zwykle stanem przewlekłym, który utrzymuje się przez całe życie po jego rozwinięciu1. Jednak przy odpowiednim leczeniu osoby mogą odzyskać kontrolę nad tymi impulsami i powstrzymać się od kradzieży2.

Dalsze badania, szczególnie wykorzystujące techniki neuroobrazowania i oceny neuropsychologiczne, mogą pomóc w dokładniejszym wyjaśnieniu etiologii tego zaburzenia1. Zrozumienie złożonych przyczyn kleptomanii ma kluczowe znaczenie dla rozwoju skutecznych strategii leczenia i zapobiegania temu zaburzeniu.

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  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Kleptomania: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9878-kleptomania
    Kleptomania is a mental health condition where a person feels an uncontrollable urge to steal things. […] People who have kleptomania don’t steal because of a lack of willpower, self-control or a character flaw. Instead, this is a medical condition where a person doesn’t have the ability to resist the impulse to steal. […] Experts don’t know why kleptomania happens. However, there’s evidence that points to some possible causes. […] People with kleptomania are more likely to have certain differences in the structure of their brains, especially in areas that manage impulse control and inhibitions. […] Some experts classify kleptomania as a symptom, not a condition. […] Experts don’t know if a person can inherit kleptomania or if a family history raises your risk of having it. […] Kleptomania is a mental health condition that happens unpredictably and for reasons that experts still don’t fully understand.
  • #1 What is a kleptomaniac? Causes, treatment, and more
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kleptomaniac
    Doctors do not know the specific cause of kleptomania but believe it is related to biochemical and neurological abnormalities in the brain. […] Doctors do not know the underlying cause of kleptomania. However, they believe that it results from biochemical and neurological abnormalities in the brain. A person with kleptomania may have an imbalance in the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. […] Stress and trauma are other potential causes of kleptomania. Psychological trauma, particularly at a young age, could trigger the development of kleptomania and other impulse control disorders. […] Genetics may also play a role. If someone has a family member with kleptomania, they have a greater chance of developing the same disorder. […] Doctors do not fully understand the causes of kleptomania but believe it to be a result of biochemical and neurological abnormalities in the brain. The neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are likely involved.
  • #1 Kleptomania | Altru Health System
    https://www.altru.org/health-library/conditions/kleptomania
    Kleptomania is a mental health disorder that involves repeatedly being unable to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need. […] The causes of kleptomania are not known. Several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania, and that learned patterns of stealing items strengthens the problem over time. […] Problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical called serotonin. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, helps regulate moods and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviors. […] Addictive disorders. Stealing may cause the release of dopamine another neurotransmitter. Dopamine causes pleasurable feelings, and some people seek this rewarding feeling again and again. […] The brain’s opioid system. Urges are regulated by the brain’s opioid system. An imbalance in this system could make it harder to resist urges. […] Learned habit. Urges are very uncomfortable. Responding to these urges by stealing causes a temporary decrease in distress and relief from these urges. This creates a strong habit that becomes hard to break.
  • #1 SciELO Brazil – Cleptomania: características clínicas e tratamento Cleptomania: características clínicas e tratamento
    https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/wZ4Lq3zQbM4N5ccsb4QYBms/?lang=en
    Although individuals with kleptomania report an inability to resist their urge to shoplift, the etiology of this uncontrollable behavior is unclear. […] Serotonergic dysfunction in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex has been hypothesized to underlie the poor decision-making seen in individuals with kleptomania. […] Damage to the orbitofrontal-subcortical circuits of the brain has been reported to result in kleptomania. […] Neuroimaging techniques have demonstrated decreased white matter microstructural integrity in the ventral-medial frontal brain regions of kleptomaniacs compared to controls. […] Further imaging and neuropsychological assessments in a large sample may assist in further elucidating the etiology of this disorder.
  • #1 A Psychologist Reveals 3 Reasons Behind ‘Kleptomania’
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/02/27/a-psychologist-reveals-3-reasons-behind-kleptomania/
    Researchers also suggest that kleptomania could be associated with childhood trauma, neglectful or abusive parenting, sexual repression and possibly trying to compensate for a sense of loss in one’s life through stealing. […] Kleptomania may also be associated with dysfunction in the brain’s dopamine reward pathway. Stealing can release dopamine and feelings of pleasure in the brain, becoming a way to feel something when one has been struggling with numbness or apathy in a depressive state. […] For many kleptomaniacs, stealing may serve as a way to cope with negative emotions and underlying psychological stress. The act of stealing may provide temporary relief from emotional discomfort or serve as a distraction from issues in other areas of one’s life. […] Research shows that shoplifters usually view stealing as a low-risk way to cope with their physical, emotional or economic stress.
  • #1 Kleptomania – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania
    Cognitive-behavioral models have been replacing psychoanalytic models in describing the development of kleptomania. […] Biological models explaining the origins of kleptomania have been based mostly on pharmacotherapy treatment studies that used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mood stabilizers, and opioid receptor antagonists. […] Some studies using SSRIs have observed that opioid antagonists appear to reduce the urge to steal and mute the „rush” typically experienced immediately after stealing by some subjects with kleptomania. This would suggest that poor regulation of serotonin, dopamine, and/or natural opioids within the brain are to blame for kleptomania, linking it with impulse control and affective disorders.
  • #1 Kleptomania: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://www.jagrutirehab.org/disorder/kleptomania.html
    Kleptomania is one of the rare, severe psychiatric disorders characterized by a recurrent inability to resist a string of stealing natural objects or substances mostly without personal or monetary need. […] The precise basis of kleptomania is not understood; however, it is thought to arise from a mix-up of neurobiological, genetic, and environmental considerations. […] Though an exact understanding of kleptomania causes is unclear, various researches confer biological, psychological, and environmental factors in this respect. […] Some studies indicate a hereditary component as one of the kleptomania causes. […] Kleptomania shares similarities with other compulsive disorders, such as gambling and obsessive-compulsive disorder. […] Some individuals experienced kleptomania as a response to traumatic experiences, including childhood neglect or abuse. […] Children who experience inconsistent discipline, neglect, or exposure to criminal behavior may be more likely to develop kleptomania. […] Major life changes-losing a loved one, financial woes, relationship trouble-can push kleptomania to the forefront of coping strategies.
  • #1 Kleptomania: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-to-know-addicted-stealing
    Mental health problems: Stealing can be because of low self-esteem, jealousy, depression, eating disorders, and peer pressure. […] You are also at risk of developing kleptomania if you have family history: Having a significant other like a parent or sibling with an obsessive-compulsive disorder, kleptomania, or substance use disorders may increase your risk of developing kleptomania. […] In most cases, people with kleptomania also have other mental illnesses like anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or an eating disorder.
  • #1 Kleptomania | EBSCO Research Starters
    https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/psychology/kleptomania
    Kleptomania is classified as an impulse control disorder characterized by the uncontrollable urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use. […] Kleptomania is often associated with other psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, and it lacks clearly defined causes and treatments. […] Although associated with depression and anxiety, kleptomania has no clear causes or treatments. […] However, the causes of kleptomania are far less defined. […] In pursuing causes for kleptomania, attention is directed toward the brain’s chemical makeup. The chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are neurotransmitters that influence judgment and feelings, so any imbalance in the levels of these chemicals can produce impulsivity. […] Genetic research has determined that impulsivity tends to extend through an entire family.
  • #1 Kleptomania: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
    https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/disorder/kleptomania/
    Kleptomania is a condition where individuals struggle to resist the urge to steal items that they do not need. […] The exact causes of kleptomania involve a combination of biochemical factors, genetic predispositions, and psychological issues such as anxiety or mood disorders. Stressful life events and trauma worsen the condition, leading to more frequent urges to steal. […] The causes of kleptomania disorder include neurochemical imbalances, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Genetic factors account for up to 60% of the risk for developing kleptomania and other impulse control disorders, according to Brewer JA et al. s 2008 study, The Neurobiology and Genetics of Impulse Control Disorders, published in the Biochemical Pharmacol. […] There is a correlation between low levels of 5-HIAA and high scores on psychopathy measures, particularly in violent offenders, where low serotonin metabolites were associated with higher overall levels of psychopathy, according to Seo D et al.s 2008 research titled Role of Serotonin and Dopamine System Interactions in the Neurobiology of Impulsive Aggression and its Comorbidity with other Clinical Disorders published in the Aggression and Violent Behavior Journal.
  • #1 Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3225132/
    Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder that can cause significant impairment and serious consequences. […] Recently, attempts to explain kleptomania within a neuropsychiatric paradigm have highlighted the possible links between mood disorders, addictive behaviors, and brain injury with kleptomania. […] The pathophysiology of kleptomania is unknown. Psychoanalytic theories link compulsive stealing to childhood trauma and neglectful or abusive parents, and stealing may symbolize repossessing the losses of childhood. […] Neuropsychiatric factors are also thought to play a role in kleptomania. The disorder appears to be highly associated with mood disorders and anxiety spectrum disorders. […] Kleptomania may also be regarded as a form of addictive behavior and has been shown to be associated with other substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol and nicotine).
  • #1 A Psychologist Reveals 3 Reasons Behind ‘Kleptomania’
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/02/27/a-psychologist-reveals-3-reasons-behind-kleptomania/
    Kleptomania is a mental health disorder characterized by a recurrent urge to steal items that are typically not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. […] Kleptomania is considered an impulse control disorder and can lead to significant distress, impairment in social or occupational functioning and legal consequences if not treated. […] A 2018 study found that individuals with kleptomania who shoplifted reported high levels of impulsivity. Impulsivity can lead to sudden, unplanned acts of stealing without considering the consequences. […] Research shows that kleptomaniacs often struggle with mood disorders, including major depressive disorder. Researchers believe that kleptomania may be a maladaptive response to a depressive mood state and the feelings of guilt and shame that follow instances of compulsive stealing can intensify these feelings of depression.
  • #1 Psychiatry.org – Kleptomania
    https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/kleptomania
    Most people are familiar with the term kleptomania, a real, but rare, mental health condition. The key feature of kleptomania is the repeatedly acting on impulses to steal items even though the items are not needed. […] Kleptomania is categorized as an impulse control disorder. However, research has shown it has features in common with addictive disorders (substance use disorder, gambling disorder) and obsessive-compulsive disorders. People with kleptomania may also have other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. […] One study of college students found that urges to steal were associated with worse depressive symptoms, higher levels of stress and several psychiatric disorders.
  • #1 Kleptomania | Psychology Today
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/kleptomania
    Kleptomania appears to be caused in part by disruptions of neurotransmitter pathways in the brain associated with serotonin and dopamine, which can influence aggression and the brains reward system. […] Individuals may also experience an imbalance in the brains opioid system, which influences the ability to resist urges. […] People with kleptomania often also live with another psychiatric disorder, such as depressive or bipolar disorders (particularly major depressive disorder), anxiety disorders, eating disorders (particularly bulimia), personality disorders, substance abuse disorders (particularly alcohol use disorder), and other impulse-control and conduct disorders. […] Some clinicians see kleptomania as part of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum of disorders, because many people experience the impulse to steal as an unwanted intrusion into their minds. […] Other evidence suggests kleptomania may be more closely related to, or be a variant of, mood disorders such as depression.
  • #1 Kleptomania: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
    https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/disorder/kleptomania/
    Approximately 85% of individuals diagnosed with Kleptomania also have co-occurring psychiatric disorders, e.g., mood disorders like major depressive disorder, according to Saluja B et al.s 2010 study titled Kleptomania: A Case Series, published in the Singapore Medical Journal. […] These experiences lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as stealing, in an attempt to cope with negative emotions or feelings of inadequacy. […] The triggers of kleptomania are stress, anxiety, depression, social pressures, emotional distress, and environmental cues. […] The psychological impact of trauma impairs impulse control and decision-making abilities. Individuals with kleptomania experience overwhelming urges to steal, driven by impulsive thoughts that they find difficult to resist. […] Research indicates that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle impact emotional regulation and impulse control, which worsen behaviors such as kleptomania. […] The interconnectedness of kleptomania with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and substance use highlights the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address these co-occurring conditions.
  • #1 Kleptomania – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania
    Kleptomania is the inability to resist the urge to steal items, usually for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. […] Some of the main characteristics of the disorder suggest that kleptomania could be an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder, but also share similarities with addictive and mood disorders. […] Initial models of the development of kleptomania came from the field of psychoanalysis. These have been replaced by cognitive-behavioral models, which supplement biological ones based mostly on pharmacotherapy treatment studies. […] Several explanations of the mechanics of kleptomania have been presented. A contemporary social approach proposes that kleptomania is an outcome of consumerism and the large quantity of commodities in society. […] Many psychoanalytic theorists suggested that kleptomania is a person’s attempt „to obtain symbolic compensation for an actual or anticipated loss”, and feel that the key to understanding its etiology lies in the symbolic meaning of the stolen items.
  • #1 What Is Kleptomania?
    https://www.verywellmind.com/what-you-should-know-about-kleptomania-4137660
    Kleptomania is a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to steal. People with kleptomania will steal items that they do not need, that they could afford to buy, or that have little to no monetary value. […] The exact causes of kleptomania are skill under investigation, although it is suggested that both genetic and environmental influences may play a role. Different perspectives in psychology have suggested a few possible explanations: […] The Psychoanalytic Approach: Psychoanalytic explanations for kleptomania have conceptualized it in a variety of ways. Some suggest that people are driven to obtain objects in order to symbolically compensate for some type of early loss or neglect. […] The Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Cognitive-behavioral explanations suggest the disorder may begin when an individual is positively reinforced for stealing something.
  • #1 Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3225132/
    Impulse control disorders can present as neuropsychiatric sequelae of head trauma and traumatic brain injury. […] Kleptomania developing after head trauma has been reported in the literature. […] An important factor that should be considered in this case is the trauma and depression caused by the death of the patient’s husband in the MVA. […] Another potential exacerbating factor is the patient’s abstinence from alcohol following the MVA, which may have resulted in the loss of the anxiolytic effects of alcohol and contributed to an increase in the compulsions to steal. […] The treatment team in the case report described here used the Y-BOCS to rate the symptoms of kleptomania in the patient. […] The patient in this report benefited from the systematic use of medications that have been shown in the literature as described earlier to be potentially beneficial in kleptomania.
  • #1 Kleptomania: a case series
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4292012/
    Kleptomania is an enigmatic condition and is among the very few psychiatric disorders in which crime is medicalised and used as a legal defence. The scientific literature on kleptomania is scarce. Early literature and recent studies have shown a female preponderance, with an early age of onset of stealing in people with comorbid personality disorder(s). […] The existing literature indicates that kleptomaniacs often report lack of self-esteem, a difficult childhood and marital conflicts, which may just be one of the manifestations of borderline personality disorder, and score poorly on socialisation but well on impulsivity and novelty seeking. […] Early literature suggested that kleptomania particularly affected women of high social and economic status so much so that scientists assumed its aetiology as stemming from the female reproductive system.
  • #1 Kleptomania -Symptoms and Causes – Sedona Sky Academy
    https://www.sedonasky.org/blog/kleptomania–symptoms-and-causes
    Research suggests that biological factors may contribute to the development of kleptomania. Neurochemical imbalances or abnormalities in certain brain areas involved in impulse control and reward processing could be implicated in this disorder. […] Environmental factors also play a role in the development of kleptomania. Traumatic experiences, social influences, and learned behaviors can contribute to the onset or perpetuation of this disorder. Some environmental factors associated with kleptomania include: Childhood experiences: Traumatic events or experiences during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or loss, may increase the risk of developing kleptomania later in life.
  • #1 Kleptomania – Symptoms and Causes – Sedona Sky Academy
    https://www.sedonasky.org/blog/kleptomania-symptoms-and-causes
    Neurobiological factors also contribute to the development of kleptomania. Research suggests that there may be alterations in brain chemistry and functioning in individuals with this disorder. Some neurobiological factors associated with kleptomania include: Dysregulation of neurotransmitters: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, have been observed in individuals with kleptomania. These imbalances can affect mood, impulse control, and reward processing. Brain abnormalities: Brain imaging studies have indicated structural and functional abnormalities in regions of the brain involved in decision-making, impulse control, and reward processing in individuals with kleptomania. […] Environmental triggers can also contribute to the development and exacerbation of kleptomania. These triggers can vary from person to person and may include: Stressful life events: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as loss, abuse, or financial difficulties, can increase the risk of developing kleptomania in susceptible individuals. Availability of opportunities: Easy access to items to steal, such as in retail environments, can provide triggers for individuals with kleptomania to act on their impulses. Social influences: Observing or hearing about others engaging in stealing behaviors can normalize such actions and influence individuals with kleptomania to engage in similar behaviors.
  • #1 Kleptomania: Causes, Kleptomaniac Symptoms, Treatment
    https://www.medicinenet.com/what_causes_kleptomania/article.htm
    There is also a theory that believes that this disorder may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression. […] Sometimes, kleptomania may also be more prevalent in a family with multiple members being affected by the condition. […] This disorder usually begins in adolescence and is less common in children. […] Studies have shown that kleptomania is more common in women than men. Women in their late 30s with psychiatric disorders are more likely to develop this tendency. […] It is not known what causes a person to become a kleptomaniac. In some cases, it appears to be a familial condition, indicating genetic factors are involved. […] Aberrant neurotransmitter activity likely plays a role in this condition, with the brain’s reward system reinforcing the behavior. […] This condition is also associated with other psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, other mood disorders, and impulse control disorders such as binge eating and others. […] There have also been recorded cases of kleptomania resulting from a traumatic brain injury.
  • #1 Stealing: Kleptomania Disorders Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://mamsafaisal.com/kleptomania-disorders/
    There appears to be a relationship between key neurotransmitter pathways, including systems related to depression (serotonin and dopamine) and behavioral addiction (via the opioid system) […] There is also a potential relationship between kleptomania and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance abuse. […] Kleptomania is a rare disorder, and is only diagnosed in 0.3-0.6% of the population, and there are 3 females for every 1 male diagnosed, which means that this disorder is mainly diagnosed in women.
  • #1 SciELO Brazil – Cleptomania: características clínicas e tratamento Cleptomania: características clínicas e tratamento
    https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/wZ4Lq3zQbM4N5ccsb4QYBms/?lang=en
    Kleptomania, a disabling impulse control disorder, is characterized by the repetitive and uncontrollable theft of items that are of little use to the afflicted person. […] Despite its relatively long history, kleptomania remains poorly understood to the general public, clinicians, and sufferers. […] Kleptomania generally has its onset in late adolescence or early adulthood and appears to be more common among women. […] Lifetime psychiatric comorbidity is frequent, mainly with other impulse control (20-46%), substance use (23-50%) and mood disorders (45-100%). […] Individuals with kleptomania suffer significant impairment in their ability to function socially and occupationally. […] Kleptomania may respond to cognitive behavioral therapy and various pharmacotherapies (lithium, anti-epileptics, and opioid antagonists).
  • #1 Kleptomania: what is it, symptoms and treatment | Top Doctors
    https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-dictionary/kleptomania
    Kleptomania is a mental disorder characterised by an uncontrolled and obsessive impulse to steal. In psychiatry it is considered as an impulse control disorder, which means the person with the disorder has problems resisting the temptation to perform acts which are harmful to either themselves or others. […] The exact cause of kleptomania is not known, but it is estimated that there are some risk factors: Problems with serotonin: the substance that helps regulate emotions and moods. Family history: having a family member with kleptomania, problems with alcohol or obsessive-compulsive disorder can increase the risk. Other mental illnesses: usually people with kleptomania also have other mental illnesses, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse control disorders, anxiety, bipolarity, substance abuse, eating disorders or personality disorders. Brain injuries or head trauma.
  • #1 Kleptomania – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Health Tips
    https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/kleptomania.htm
    It has been suggested that the symptoms of kleptomania (irresistible urge or impulse) may be due to an irregularity in neurochemical signaling in the brain. […] In addition, other conditions including anxiety (childhood abuse, childhood neglect, sexual repression or abuse), depression, substance abuse (alcohol, smoking, drugs), moodiness, stress, and eating irregularities (bulimia, anorexia) are found to give rise to the condition of kleptomania. […] Sometimes, kleptomania may also be more prevalent in a family with multiple members being affected with the condition. Brain disorders, such as dementia or epilepsy and brain injury may also result in kleptomanic tendencies. […] However, there is no definite clue as to what exactly causes kleptomania.
  • #1 Exploring the Causes and Impact of KleptomaniaExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuLinkedinPreviousContinueContinueContinueContinueContinueContinueContinueFacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedinTikTokExpandExpandExpandExpand
    https://healtreatmentcenters.com/mental-health/impact-of-kleptomania/
    Research indicates that biological factors, such as neurotransmitter imbalances, might link these disorders. For example, abnormalities in serotonin levels have been observed in individuals struggling with OCD, depression, and impulse control disorders like kleptomania. Therefore, treatments that correct these imbalances could be beneficial across these linked conditions.
  • #1 Kleptomania: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9878-kleptomania
    While kleptomania isn’t dangerous by itself, it very commonly happens with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, substance use disorders and addictions, and more. […] Kleptomania is usually a lifelong condition once a person develops it. […] While kleptomania is usually a permanent condition, people can regain control over these impulses and stop themselves from stealing.
  • #2 What is Kleptomania? | Causes, symptoms, preventing & treatment
    https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/kleptomania/
    Kleptomania is a psychological disorder affecting around 6 in 1,000 people according to statistics. […] Not even medical experts know what causes kleptomania. However, there have been some suggestions. […] It is believed that those with kleptomania are much more likely to have differences in specific areas of their brain structure. This is specifically in the areas that deal with inhibitions and impulse control. […] The brain makes use of specialist chemicals called neurotransmitters. […] Some people believe kleptomania is a symptom rather than a condition in its own right. […] Researchers dont yet know if it is possible to inherit kleptomania or if having the condition in your family can increase your chances of developing the condition. […] It is thought that stealing releases dopamine, which is another neurotransmitter. […] It is this system that regulates our urges to do things. It is thought that when this system isnt balanced well, resisting urges is more difficult.
  • #2 What is a kleptomaniac? Causes, treatment, and more
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kleptomaniac
    Doctors do not know the specific cause of kleptomania but believe it is related to biochemical and neurological abnormalities in the brain. […] Doctors do not know the underlying cause of kleptomania. However, they believe that it results from biochemical and neurological abnormalities in the brain. A person with kleptomania may have an imbalance in the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. […] Stress and trauma are other potential causes of kleptomania. Psychological trauma, particularly at a young age, could trigger the development of kleptomania and other impulse control disorders. […] Genetics may also play a role. If someone has a family member with kleptomania, they have a greater chance of developing the same disorder. […] Doctors do not fully understand the causes of kleptomania but believe it to be a result of biochemical and neurological abnormalities in the brain. The neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are likely involved.
  • #2 Kleptomania – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania
    Cognitive-behavioral models have been replacing psychoanalytic models in describing the development of kleptomania. […] Biological models explaining the origins of kleptomania have been based mostly on pharmacotherapy treatment studies that used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mood stabilizers, and opioid receptor antagonists. […] Some studies using SSRIs have observed that opioid antagonists appear to reduce the urge to steal and mute the „rush” typically experienced immediately after stealing by some subjects with kleptomania. This would suggest that poor regulation of serotonin, dopamine, and/or natural opioids within the brain are to blame for kleptomania, linking it with impulse control and affective disorders.
  • #2 SciELO Brazil – Cleptomania: características clínicas e tratamento Cleptomania: características clínicas e tratamento
    https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/wZ4Lq3zQbM4N5ccsb4QYBms/?lang=en
    Although individuals with kleptomania report an inability to resist their urge to shoplift, the etiology of this uncontrollable behavior is unclear. […] Serotonergic dysfunction in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex has been hypothesized to underlie the poor decision-making seen in individuals with kleptomania. […] Damage to the orbitofrontal-subcortical circuits of the brain has been reported to result in kleptomania. […] Neuroimaging techniques have demonstrated decreased white matter microstructural integrity in the ventral-medial frontal brain regions of kleptomaniacs compared to controls. […] Further imaging and neuropsychological assessments in a large sample may assist in further elucidating the etiology of this disorder.
  • #2 Kleptomania – Singapore Counselling Centre
    https://scc.sg/e/kleptomania-symptoms-causes-treatment/
    Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder and is defined as the consistent, irresistible impulse to steal items. […] Mental health professionals have yet to identify the exact causes of kleptomania. However, research conducted by them has demonstrated links with: […] The brains opioid system. This system regulates processing of affects such as pain, pleasure and reward. Kleptomaniacs may have imbalances in this system which makes it harder to resist the urge to steal […] The brain chemical serotonin which regulates moods and emotions. People prone to impulsive behaviours tend to have low levels of serotonin. […] Factors that put people at risk of kleptomania include gender, family history and the diagnosis of other mental illnesses. […] A person may be more susceptible to kleptomania if they have first-degree relatives with mental illnesses. Particularly, obsessive-compulsive disorders and impulse-control disorders (like substance use disorder) in relatives are linked to kleptomania. […] Kleptomania is often comorbid with other mental disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD or impulse control disorders. Hence, individuals with these disorders may also develop kleptomania.
  • #2 Kleptomania | Psychology Today
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/kleptomania
    Kleptomania appears to be caused in part by disruptions of neurotransmitter pathways in the brain associated with serotonin and dopamine, which can influence aggression and the brains reward system. […] Individuals may also experience an imbalance in the brains opioid system, which influences the ability to resist urges. […] People with kleptomania often also live with another psychiatric disorder, such as depressive or bipolar disorders (particularly major depressive disorder), anxiety disorders, eating disorders (particularly bulimia), personality disorders, substance abuse disorders (particularly alcohol use disorder), and other impulse-control and conduct disorders. […] Some clinicians see kleptomania as part of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum of disorders, because many people experience the impulse to steal as an unwanted intrusion into their minds. […] Other evidence suggests kleptomania may be more closely related to, or be a variant of, mood disorders such as depression.
  • #2 Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3225132/
    Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder that can cause significant impairment and serious consequences. […] Recently, attempts to explain kleptomania within a neuropsychiatric paradigm have highlighted the possible links between mood disorders, addictive behaviors, and brain injury with kleptomania. […] The pathophysiology of kleptomania is unknown. Psychoanalytic theories link compulsive stealing to childhood trauma and neglectful or abusive parents, and stealing may symbolize repossessing the losses of childhood. […] Neuropsychiatric factors are also thought to play a role in kleptomania. The disorder appears to be highly associated with mood disorders and anxiety spectrum disorders. […] Kleptomania may also be regarded as a form of addictive behavior and has been shown to be associated with other substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol and nicotine).
  • #2 Kleptomania: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://www.jagrutirehab.org/disorder/kleptomania.html
    Kleptomania is one of the rare, severe psychiatric disorders characterized by a recurrent inability to resist a string of stealing natural objects or substances mostly without personal or monetary need. […] The precise basis of kleptomania is not understood; however, it is thought to arise from a mix-up of neurobiological, genetic, and environmental considerations. […] Though an exact understanding of kleptomania causes is unclear, various researches confer biological, psychological, and environmental factors in this respect. […] Some studies indicate a hereditary component as one of the kleptomania causes. […] Kleptomania shares similarities with other compulsive disorders, such as gambling and obsessive-compulsive disorder. […] Some individuals experienced kleptomania as a response to traumatic experiences, including childhood neglect or abuse. […] Children who experience inconsistent discipline, neglect, or exposure to criminal behavior may be more likely to develop kleptomania. […] Major life changes-losing a loved one, financial woes, relationship trouble-can push kleptomania to the forefront of coping strategies.
  • #2 Kleptomania – Symptoms and Causes – Sedona Sky Academy
    https://www.sedonasky.org/blog/kleptomania-symptoms-and-causes
    Neurobiological factors also contribute to the development of kleptomania. Research suggests that there may be alterations in brain chemistry and functioning in individuals with this disorder. Some neurobiological factors associated with kleptomania include: Dysregulation of neurotransmitters: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, have been observed in individuals with kleptomania. These imbalances can affect mood, impulse control, and reward processing. Brain abnormalities: Brain imaging studies have indicated structural and functional abnormalities in regions of the brain involved in decision-making, impulse control, and reward processing in individuals with kleptomania. […] Environmental triggers can also contribute to the development and exacerbation of kleptomania. These triggers can vary from person to person and may include: Stressful life events: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as loss, abuse, or financial difficulties, can increase the risk of developing kleptomania in susceptible individuals. Availability of opportunities: Easy access to items to steal, such as in retail environments, can provide triggers for individuals with kleptomania to act on their impulses. Social influences: Observing or hearing about others engaging in stealing behaviors can normalize such actions and influence individuals with kleptomania to engage in similar behaviors.
  • #2 Psychiatry.org – Kleptomania
    https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/kleptomania
    Most people are familiar with the term kleptomania, a real, but rare, mental health condition. The key feature of kleptomania is the repeatedly acting on impulses to steal items even though the items are not needed. […] Kleptomania is categorized as an impulse control disorder. However, research has shown it has features in common with addictive disorders (substance use disorder, gambling disorder) and obsessive-compulsive disorders. People with kleptomania may also have other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. […] One study of college students found that urges to steal were associated with worse depressive symptoms, higher levels of stress and several psychiatric disorders.
  • #2 Kleptomania: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9878-kleptomania
    While kleptomania isn’t dangerous by itself, it very commonly happens with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, substance use disorders and addictions, and more. […] Kleptomania is usually a lifelong condition once a person develops it. […] While kleptomania is usually a permanent condition, people can regain control over these impulses and stop themselves from stealing.