Kleptomania
Leczenie

Kleptomania to zaburzenie impulsów charakteryzujące się nieodpartą potrzebą kradzieży przedmiotów nieistotnych pod względem użytkowym czy materialnym. Leczenie jest wyzwaniem ze względu na niską zgłaszalność pacjentów oraz brak standardowego protokołu terapeutycznego. Obecne podejścia terapeutyczne opierają się na kombinacji farmakoterapii i psychoterapii, często uzupełnianej o grupy wsparcia. Farmakologicznie stosuje się m.in. naltrekson, który wykazuje statystycznie istotne zmniejszenie impulsów i wyników w skali K-YBOCS, SSRI (fluoksetynę, sertralinę) w przypadku współistniejących zaburzeń nastroju, stabilizatory nastroju (lit, kwas walproinowy) oraz memantynę, która poprawia funkcjonowanie psychospołeczne i redukuje impulsywność. W przypadkach współwystępowania ADHD i zaburzeń osobowości skuteczna może być terapia dialektyczno-behawioralna z duloksetyną (SNRI). Ze względu na rzadkość kleptomanii, dane pochodzą głównie z opisów przypadków i małych serii.

Kleptomania – leczenie

Kleptomania jest zaburzeniem impulsów charakteryzującym się nawracającą niemożnością oparcia się impulsom do kradzieży przedmiotów, które nie są potrzebne do użytku osobistego ani ze względu na ich wartość materialną. Leczenie kleptomanii stanowi wyzwanie, ponieważ wiele osób dotkniętych tym zaburzeniem nie zgłasza się po pomoc z powodu wstydu, zakłopotania lub strachu przed konsekwencjami prawnymi. Jednak bez odpowiedniego leczenia kleptomania prawdopodobnie będzie trwającym, długoterminowym stanem, powodującym znaczne cierpienie emocjonalne oraz problemy prawne i społeczne.123

Obecnie nie istnieje standardowy protokół leczenia kleptomanii, a naukowcy wciąż starają się zrozumieć, jakie podejście może być najskuteczniejsze. Leczenie kleptomanii obejmuje zazwyczaj kombinację farmakoterapii i psychoterapii, czasami uzupełnioną o grupy wsparcia. Skuteczność leczenia różni się w zależności od indywidualnych potrzeb pacjenta, dlatego często konieczne jest wypróbowanie kilku metod, aby znaleźć najbardziej odpowiednią.142

Farmakoterapia w leczeniu kleptomanii

Mimo że nie ma leków zatwierdzonych przez FDA specjalnie do leczenia kleptomanii, niektóre substancje okazały się pomocne w zarządzaniu objawami tego zaburzenia:567

  • Naltrekson – antagonista receptorów opioidowych stosowany w leczeniu uzależnień od alkoholu i opioidów, wykazał skuteczność w zmniejszaniu impulsów i przyjemności związanej z kradzieżą. Badania wykazały statystycznie znaczące zmniejszenie wyników w skali K-YBOCS (Kleptomania-Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) oraz zgłaszanych impulsów do kradzieży po zastosowaniu naltreksonu.891011
  • Selektywne inhibitory wychwytu zwrotnego serotoniny (SSRI) – takie jak fluoksetyna czy sertralina, są często stosowane w leczeniu kleptomanii, szczególnie gdy współwystępują zaburzenia nastroju takie jak depresja czy zaburzenia lękowe. SSRI zwiększają poziom serotoniny w synapsach mózgowych, co może pomóc w kontrolowaniu impulsów.12131415
  • Stabilizatory nastroju – takie jak lit czy kwas walproinowy, mogą być stosowane, szczególnie gdy kleptomania przejawia się jako zaburzenie nastroju.8916
  • Memantyna – lek zazwyczaj stosowany w leczeniu choroby Alzheimera, wykazał zaskakującą skuteczność w poprawie ogólnych objawów kleptomanii. Pacjenci przyjmujący memantynę zgłaszali poprawę nastroju, impulsywności i funkcjonowania psychospołecznego, a także zmniejszenie częstotliwości i intensywności impulsów do kradzieży.17

Badania wskazują, że w przypadku osób z kleptomanią, które mają również diagnozy ADHD i/lub zaburzeń osobowości, kombinacja terapii dialektyczno-behawioralnej z duloksetyną jako inhibitorem wychwytu zwrotnego serotoniny i norepinefryny (SNRI) może być skuteczną strategią leczenia.17

Warto zauważyć, że badania dotyczące farmakologicznego leczenia kleptomanii są ograniczone ze względu na rzadkość występowania tego zaburzenia i trudności w uzyskaniu wystarczająco dużej próby badawczej. Informacje na ten temat pochodzą głównie z opisów przypadków lub fragmentów zebranych z relatywnie małej liczby przypadków zawartych w seriach grupowych.18

Psychoterapia w leczeniu kleptomanii

Terapia poznawczo-behawioralna (CBT) jest najczęściej stosowaną formą psychoterapii w leczeniu kleptomanii. Pomaga ona zidentyfikować niezdrowe, negatywne przekonania i zachowania oraz zastąpić je zdrowymi, które można wykorzystać w różnych sytuacjach w razie potrzeby.5197

W ramach CBT stosowane są następujące techniki:202122

  • Ukryta sensytyzacja (covert sensitization) – technika, w której pacjent wyobraża sobie kradzież i doświadczanie negatywnych konsekwencji, takich jak zostanie złapanym, co może zniechęcić do tego zachowania.
  • Terapia awersyjna – technika polegająca na kojarzeniu impulsu do kradzieży z nieprzyjemnymi bodźcami, takimi jak uczucie dyskomfortu (np. wstrzymywanie oddechu, aż stanie się to nieprzyjemne) czy wyobrażanie sobie czegoś obrzydliwego za każdym razem, gdy pojawia się impuls do kradzieży.
  • Systematyczna desensytyzacja – technika polegająca na uczeniu się technik relaksacyjnych i wyobrażaniu sobie kontrolowania impulsów do kradzieży, co prowadzi do zmniejszenia lęku i napięcia związanego z tymi impulsami.

Inne podejścia terapeutyczne stosowane w leczeniu kleptomanii to:23242526

  • Terapia poznawczo-behawioralna z elementami uważności (mindfulness) – badania wykazały, że CBGT (cognitive behavioural group therapy) w połączeniu z treningiem uważności może być skuteczna w poprawie objawów kleptomanii i jakości życia pacjentów. Proces ten przyczynia się do poprawy percepcji nagrody w środowisku życiowym i zwiększenia tolerancji na nieprzyjemne emocje, co prowadzi do poprawy objawów kleptomanii.
  • Ekspozycja i zapobieganie reakcji (EX/RP) – technika ta, często stosowana w leczeniu zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsywnych, może być również skuteczna w przypadku kleptomanii, szczególnie gdy ma ona cechy kompulsywne.

Ważne jest, aby zauważyć, że kleptomania może przejawiać zarówno cechy impulsywne, jak i kompulsywne, co wpływa na wyniki leczenia. Tradycyjne interwencje ukierunkowane na impulsywność mogą nie uwzględniać złożoności kleptomanii, dlatego w przypadkach, które nie reagują na tradycyjne leczenie ukierunkowane na impulsywność, mogą być włączone elementy związane z kompulsywnością.26

Grupy wsparcia i samopomoc

Osoby z kleptomanią mogą skorzystać z udziału w grupach wsparcia opartych na programach 12-kroków i tych przeznaczonych dla problemów z uzależnieniami. Grupy te zapewniają wsparcie emocjonalne, możliwość dzielenia się doświadczeniami i strategiami radzenia sobie, a także zmniejszenie poczucia izolacji i wstydu związanego z zaburzeniem.52728

Terapia łącząca różne podejścia

Badania sugerują, że kombinacja farmakoterapii i psychoterapii może być najbardziej skuteczną strategią leczenia kleptomanii. Połączenie leków i terapii behawioralnej daje obiecujące wyniki, a osoby, które otrzymują takie zintegrowane leczenie, mają większe szanse na kontrolowanie swoich impulsów i zapobieganie nawrotom.122930

W przypadku współwystępowania kleptomanii i innych zaburzeń, takich jak uzależnienie od substancji, zaburzenia lękowe czy depresja, konieczne jest jednoczesne leczenie wszystkich tych stanów. Podejście to wymaga kompleksowej strategii, która uwzględnia zarówno terapie behawioralne, grupy wsparcia, jak i, w razie potrzeby, leki do zarządzania objawami kleptomanii i współwystępujących zaburzeń.31323334

Zapobieganie nawrotom

Aby uniknąć nawrotów, kluczowe jest przestrzeganie planu leczenia. Jeśli pojawią się impulsy do kradzieży, ważne jest skontaktowanie się z lekarzem prowadzącym, zaufaną osobą lub grupą wsparcia. Regularne wizyty u specjalisty zdrowia psychicznego i stosowanie poznanych technik mogą pomóc w utrzymaniu kontroli nad impulsami.5235

Ponadto, identyfikacja czynników wyzwalających i sytuacji, które mogą prowokować impulsy do kradzieży, oraz rozwój zdrowych mechanizmów radzenia sobie, takich jak techniki relaksacyjne (medytacja, joga, tai chi), mogą pomóc w zarządzaniu objawami kleptomanii.3136

Specyficzne techniki w leczeniu kleptomanii

W leczeniu kleptomanii stosuje się różne specyficzne techniki, które mogą pomóc pacjentom w kontrolowaniu impulsów do kradzieży i zmianie niepożądanych zachowań.3720

Techniki awersyjne

Techniki awersyjne mają na celu skojarzenie impulsu do kradzieży z nieprzyjemnymi bodźcami, co może zmniejszyć prawdopodobieństwo poddania się temu impulsowi:3738

  • Celowe wstrzymywanie oddechu – technika polegająca na wstrzymywaniu oddechu, aż stanie się to bolesne, za każdym razem, gdy pojawia się impuls do kradzieży.
  • Wyobrażanie sobie czegoś nieprzyjemnego – technika, w której pacjent wyobraża sobie coś obrzydliwego lub nieprzyjemnego za każdym razem, gdy pojawia się impuls do kradzieży.

Ekspozycja i zapobieganie reakcji

Ekspozycja i zapobieganie reakcji (ERP) to technika, która została zaadaptowana z leczenia zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsywnych. W kontekście kleptomanii polega ona na stopniowym wystawianiu pacjenta na sytuacje, które mogą wyzwalać impulsy do kradzieży, jednocześnie ucząc go, jak oprzeć się tym impulsom.3739

Techniki relaksacyjne

Techniki relaksacyjne mogą pomóc w zmniejszeniu napięcia i lęku, które często poprzedzają impulsy do kradzieży:3140

  • Medytacja
  • Joga
  • Tai Chi
  • Inne techniki zarządzania stresem

Terapia grupowa i rodzinna

Terapia grupowa i rodzinna może być cennym uzupełnieniem indywidualnej terapii w leczeniu kleptomanii:284142

  • Terapia grupowa – udział w grupie z innymi osobami cierpiącymi na kleptomanię może zapewnić wsparcie emocjonalne, możliwość dzielenia się doświadczeniami i strategiami radzenia sobie, a także zmniejszenie poczucia izolacji i wstydu.
  • Terapia rodzinna – zaangażowanie rodziny w proces leczenia może zwiększyć zrozumienie, komunikację i wsparcie w środowisku domowym, co może być kluczowe dla powodzenia leczenia.

Zintegrowane podejście do leczenia kleptomanii

Najskuteczniejsze leczenie kleptomanii obejmuje zintegrowane podejście, które uwzględnia różne metody i jest dostosowane do indywidualnych potrzeb pacjenta.434440

Leczenie współistniejących zaburzeń

Kleptomania często współwystępuje z innymi zaburzeniami psychicznymi, takimi jak zaburzenia nastroju, zaburzenia lękowe, zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsywne czy uzależnienia od substancji. Skuteczne leczenie kleptomanii wymaga jednoczesnego leczenia tych współistniejących stanów.313233

W przypadku podwójnej diagnozy kleptomanii i uzależnienia od substancji, zintegrowane podejście do leczenia obejmuje różne terapie mające na celu leczenie podstawowych czynników obu zaburzeń. Leczenie może obejmować terapię grupową, leki, detoksykację, poradnictwo i terapie behawioralne, które wzmacniają zdrowy styl życia, trzeźwość i kontrolę impulsów.34

Monitorowanie postępu leczenia

Po rozpoczęciu leczenia ważne jest monitorowanie jego skuteczności. Można to robić za pomocą Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale (K-SAS), która jest 11-punktowym kwestionariuszem samooceny oceniającym nasilenie objawów kleptomanii w ciągu ostatniego tygodnia. Regularne monitorowanie postępu pozwala na dostosowanie planu leczenia w razie potrzeby.2945

Wsparcie rodziny i bliskich

Wsparcie rodziny i bliskich może być kluczowe dla powodzenia leczenia kleptomanii. Jeśli bliska osoba jest leczona z powodu kleptomanii, ważne jest zrozumienie szczegółów planu leczenia i aktywne wspieranie jego sukcesu.4647

Rodzina i przyjaciele mogą pomóc, okazując zrozumienie i wsparcie, unikając osądzania oraz zachęcając osobę do przestrzegania planu leczenia i uczestnictwa w grupach wsparcia.4240

Podsumowanie i zalecenia

Kleptomania jest trudnym do leczenia zaburzeniem, które wymaga profesjonalnej pomocy. Chociaż nie ma standardowego protokołu leczenia, kombinacja farmakoterapii, psychoterapii i wsparcia społecznego może pomóc osobom z kleptomanią kontrolować swoje impulsy i poprawić jakość życia.116

Kluczowe zalecenia dla osób z kleptomanią:484950

  • Szukaj profesjonalnej pomocy – kleptomania jest trudna do pokonania samodzielnie, a leczenie może pomóc zmniejszyć częstotliwość kradzieży i związane z tym cierpienie.
  • Bądź szczery ze swoim lekarzem – otwarta rozmowa o objawach, myślach i zachowaniach jest kluczowa dla skutecznego leczenia.
  • Przestrzegaj planu leczenia – regularne wizyty u specjalisty, przyjmowanie przepisanych leków i stosowanie poznanych technik mogą pomóc w utrzymaniu kontroli nad impulsami.
  • Dołącz do grupy wsparcia – dzielenie się doświadczeniami z innymi osobami zmagającymi się z podobnymi problemami może zapewnić dodatkowe wsparcie i zrozumienie.
  • Bądź cierpliwy – powrót do zdrowia z kleptomanii może zająć czas, ale utrzymywanie motywacji przez pamiętanie o celach powrotu do zdrowia jest ważne.

Warto pamiętać, że chociaż kleptomania jest trwałym zaburzeniem, odpowiednie leczenie może pomóc osobom dotkniętym tą przypadłością odzyskać kontrolę nad swoim życiem i funkcjonować bez ciągłego ciężaru wstydu i lęku.351

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  1. 12.04.2026
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Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Kleptomania – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kleptomania/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364753
    Kleptomania is diagnosed based on your symptoms. When you decide to seek treatment for symptoms of possible kleptomania, you may have both a physical exam and psychological evaluation. The physical exam can determine if there are any medical causes triggering your symptoms. […] Although fear, humiliation or embarrassment may make it hard for you to seek treatment for kleptomania, it’s important to get help. Kleptomania is difficult to overcome on your own. Without treatment, kleptomania will likely be an ongoing, long-term condition. […] Treatment for kleptomania typically involves medicines and psychotherapy, or both, sometimes along with self-help groups. However, there’s no standard kleptomania treatment, and researchers are still trying to understand what may work best. You may have to try several types of treatment to find what works well for you.
  • #2 Kleptomania | UM Health-Sparrow
    https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/kleptomania
    Kleptomania jest trudna do pokonania samodzielnie. Bez leczenia kleptomania prawdopodobnie będzie trwającym, długoterminowym stanem. […] Leczenie kleptomanii zazwyczaj obejmuje leki i psychoterapię, lub oba, czasami wraz z grupami wsparcia. […] Istnieje niewiele badań naukowych dotyczących stosowania leków psychiatrycznych w leczeniu kleptomanii. […] Twoje leczenie może obejmować: lek stosowany w leczeniu uzależnień, zwany naltreksonem, który może zmniejszyć pragnienia i przyjemność związane z kradzieżą. […] Forma psychoterapii zwana terapią poznawczo-behawioralną pomaga zidentyfikować niezdrowe, negatywne przekonania i zachowania oraz zastąpić je zdrowymi. […] Aby pomóc uniknąć nawrotów, upewnij się, że przestrzegasz swojego planu leczenia.
  • #3 Kleptomania – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kleptomania/symptoms-causes/syc-20364732
    Kleptomania jest rzadkim, ale poważnym zaburzeniem, które może powodować wiele emocjonalnego bólu dla osoby dotkniętej oraz jej bliskich, a także problemy prawne, jeśli nie jest leczone. […] Chociaż nie ma lekarstwa na kleptomanię, leczenie za pomocą leków lub terapii umiejętności, która koncentruje się na radzeniu sobie z impulsami, może pomóc zakończyć cykl kompulsywnego kradzieży. […] Jeśli nie możesz przestać kraść, poszukaj porady medycznej. […] Istnieją dostępne terapie, które mogą pomóc zminimalizować impuls do kradzieży i żyć bez uzależnienia i wstydu.
  • #4 Kleptomania Treatment – The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab
    https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/kleptomania/treatment/
    Kleptomania treatment usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy approaches. […] Not every treatment will work equally well for all individuals diagnosed with kleptomania. Thus, treatment plans for kleptomania can be individualized and tailored to a person’s underlying mental health issues including addiction. […] It should be stated that there is no specific cure for kleptomania. Thus, it is advised that individuals with kleptomania should focus on managing rather than expecting to cure their condition. […] For individuals with kleptomania, using medication in combination with psychotherapy may be even more beneficial than one treatment type alone. […] Many kleptomania psychotherapies focus on various tactics and behavioral strategies that mitigate a person’s desire to steal.
  • #5 Kleptomania – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kleptomania/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364753
    There’s little scientific research about using psychiatric medicines to treat kleptomania. And there is no FDA-approved medicine for kleptomania. However, certain medicines may help, depending on your situation and whether you have other mental health disorders, such as depression or substance misuse. […] A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy ones that can be used in different situations when needed. […] To help avoid relapses, be sure to follow your treatment plan. If you feel urges to steal, contact your mental health provider or reach out to a trusted person or support group. […] People with kleptomania may benefit from participating in self-help groups based on 12-step programs and those designed for addiction problems.
  • #6 How to Overcome Kleptomania – 6 Steps to Overcoming Kleptomania
    https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/kleptomania/how-to-overcome-kleptomania/
    Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder. People living with this condition may find it challenging to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with kleptomania. […] A diagnosis of kleptomania can only come from a mental health professional. Once someone is diagnosed with kleptomania, the best option for getting help is to go through professional treatment. Treatment for kleptomania typically involves psychotherapy methods, like cognitive behavioral therapy and aversion therapy. Some treatment providers may also use medications for treatment, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, there are currently no medications available for kleptomania that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). […] If you can identify a scenario that triggers your kleptomania, you can start to use coping mechanisms to manage your symptoms.
  • #7 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 diagnosed based on signs and symptoms and treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy, can help people to understand the impulses and unhealthy beliefs and behaviors and learn how to respond in healthy, positive ways. Some medication, such as antidepressants or medication used to reduce urges in people with addictions, may be helpful. However, there are no specific medications approved by the FDA for kleptomania. Therapy or medication may also be helpful in treating other conditions occurring at the same time, such as depression or anxiety.
  • #8 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. […] Its often treatable with medications, therapy or both. […] The most likely treatments fall into two main categories: […] Medication. Opioid antagonists (which block the effects of opioid medications) are one of the first-line treatment options. […] Other possible medications include antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs or lithium. […] Psychotherapy. Also known as mental health therapy or behavioral therapy, this usually involves helping a person understand why they do certain things and then helping them develop ways to change or avoid those behaviors. […] Psychotherapy for kleptomania can take many forms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy or even hypnosis.
  • #9 Kleptomania DSM-5 302.32 (F63.3)
    https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/kleptomania-dsm–5-302.32-(f63.3)
    Kleptomania often responds best to a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, with an emphasis on recognizing and coping with the urges related to kleptomania, and the use of psychopharmacology. Lithium, anti-epileptics, and opioid antagonists have proven effective in controlling the urge to steal faced by those with kleptomania, and the use of antidepressants may ease the common feelings of shame and self-loathing that accompany this disorder. […] There is strong supporting evidence that naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist used in the management of alcohol and opioid dependence, may lead to statistically significant reductions in K-YBOCS scores, as well as reported urges to steal and the resulting stealing behavior. […] Additionally, there is evidence that some sub-types of kleptomania may be more similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder than was previously thought, responding well to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), while other subtypes more closely resemble mood disorders and addiction, responding to mood stabilizers such as lithium.
  • #10 Kleptomania
    https://johnsonmemorial.org/jmh-health/disease-conditions/con-20344531
    Kleptomania is a mental health disorder that involves repeatedly being unable to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need. […] Although there’s no cure for kleptomania, treatment with medicine or skill-building therapy that focuses on dealing with urges may help to end the cycle of compulsive stealing. […] If you can’t stop shoplifting or stealing, seek medical advice. […] Treatments are available that may help to minimize the urge to steal and live without addiction and shame. […] Treatment for kleptomania typically involves medicines and psychotherapy, or both, sometimes along with self-help groups. […] Your provider may consider prescribing: an addiction treatment medicine called naltrexone, which may reduce the urges and pleasure associated with stealing; an antidepressant specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); other medicines or a combination of medicines.
  • #11  An Open-Label Study of Naltrexone in the Treatment of Kleptomania
    https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/a-open-label-study-naltrexone-treatment-kleptomania/
    The present study was designed to test the short-term efficacy and safety of naltrexone in the treatment of kleptomania. […] Naltrexone reduced urges to steal and stealing behavior. […] The present findings provide evidence that naltrexone may be effective in the treatment of kleptomania.
  • #12 Kleptomania: diagnosis and treatment options – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11463127/
    Kleptomania–the inability to resist the impulse to steal objects, not for personal use or monetary gain–is currently classified in psychiatric nomenclature as an impulse control disorder. […] Over the past century there has been a shift from psychotherapeutic to psychopharmacological interventions for kleptomania. Pharmacological management using selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants, mood stabilisers and opioid receptor antagonists, as adjuvants to cognitive-behavioural therapy, has produced promising results.
  • #13 Kleptomania – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania
    The phenomenological similarity and the suggested common basic biological dynamics of kleptomania and OCD, pathological gambling and trichotillomania gave rise to the theory that the similar groups of medications could be used in all these conditions. Consequently, the primary use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group, which is a form of antidepressant, has been used in kleptomania and other impulse control disorders such as binge eating and OCD. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), lithium and valproic acid (sodium valproate) have been used as well. […] The SSRI’s usage is due to the assumption that the biological dynamics of these conditions derives from low levels of serotonin in brain synapses, and that the efficacy of this type of therapy will be relevant to kleptomania and to other comorbid conditions.
  • #14 Kleptomania Disorder
    https://www.tamuct.edu/research/databases/disorders/kleptomania-disorder.html
    Treatment Summary: After the first five weeks of intense psychotherapy the patient was placed on a pharmacotherapeutic regime of sertraline 50 mg per day. The individual psychotherapy session continued. In the beginning of the patient months long therapy they patient was asked about their kleptomaniac behavior. Their initial response in the beginning of therapy was always negative. However, after being on the medication for a prescribe length of time and her impulse control disorder of depression was identified and treatment had begun the patient was then able to discuss how they felt after shoplifting. […] Treatment Summary: The therapeutic strategy used in treating Kleptomania Disorder is similar to treating other impulse control disorders. Once a patient fail to respond to either psychodynamic or behavioral therapy the next step is to began treating them with medications commonly used in the treatment of Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),or other comorbid conditions. Impulse control disorder medications has shown to arrest the desire to steal. The effectiveness of medication such as fluoxetine in combination with therapy and another SSRI drug has helped unresponsive patient who dropped out of therapy after only five weeks of psychodynamic or behavior therapy.
  • #15 Kleptomania – Singapore Counselling Centre
    https://scc.sg/e/kleptomania-symptoms-causes-treatment/
    Mental health professionals typically offer psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, as the main treatment for kleptomania. Additionally, professionals may prescribe medication to help control urges to steal. […] Mental health professionals commonly employ cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat impulse-control disorders such as kleptomania. Through this process, professionals aim to uncover the underlying thoughts and emotions driving the patients tendency to steal, before trying to reframe these thoughts and emotions to modify the maladaptive behaviour (stealing). […] Mental health professionals may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mood stabilisers or Naltrexone to help reduce the urge to steal in kleptomaniacs. […] Clinical trials have shown that the drug Naltrexone is effective in reducing the impulse to steal in kleptomaniacs.
  • #16 [Kleptomania: clinical characteristics and treatment] – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17713696/
    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. […] This article reviews the literature for what is known about the clinical characteristics, family history, neurobiology, and treatment options for individuals with kleptomania. […] Kleptomania may respond to cognitive behavioral therapy and various pharmacotherapies (lithium, anti-epileptics, and opioid antagonists). […] Kleptomania is a disabling disorder that results in intense shame, as well as legal, social, family, and occupational problems. Large scale treatment studies are needed.
  • #17 Kleptomania DSM-5 302.32 (F63.3)
    https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/kleptomania-dsm–5-302.32-(f63.3)
    Recent research has also suggested that memantine, a medication typically used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, may be surprisingly effective in improving the overall symptoms of kleptomania. Patients taking memantine reported improvement in mood, impulsiveness, and psychosocial functioning, and of course the frequency and intensity of the urges to shoplift as well as the frequency of actual shoplifting cases characteristic of kleptomania. […] For individuals with kleptomania subtypes with co-diagnoses of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or personality disorders, selective case studies have shown that a combination of dialectical behavioral therapy combined with duloxetine as a serotonin-epinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) may be an effective treatment strategy. […] Individuals diagnosed with kleptomania should strongly consider remaining in a cognitive behavioral treatment program, as well as working with a psychiatrist to determine whether any of the available psychopharmaceutical medications may be of use to them.
  • #18 Kleptomania – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania
    Opioid receptor antagonists are regarded as practical in lessening urge-related symptoms, which is a central part of impulse control disorders; for this reason, they are used in treatment of substance use. This quality makes them helpful in treating kleptomania and impulse control disorders in general. The most frequently used drug is naltrexone, a long-acting competitive antagonist. Naltrexone acts mainly at μ-receptors, but also antagonises κ- and λ-receptors. […] There have been no controlled studies of the psycho-pharmacological treatment of kleptomania. This could be as a consequence of kleptomania being a rare phenomenon and the difficulty in achieving a large enough sample. Facts about this issue come largely from case reports or from bits and pieces gathered from a comparatively small number of cases enclosed in a group series.
  • #19 Kleptomania Treatment – The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab
    https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/kleptomania/treatment/
    Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is the main form of psychotherapy that is used for treating kleptomania and many other mental health conditions. […] Aversion therapy for kleptomania may be helpful as a way to distract individuals or dissuade them from stealing. […] Understanding and addressing the root causes of kleptomania may be difficult. However, many of these mental health conditions involve problems with impulse control. It is important for individuals with kleptomania to realize that they are not a lost cause and they should not fear asking for help or receiving treatment. […] If you or a loved one struggle with kleptomania and a co-occurring addiction, The Recovery Village can help.
  • #20 What is Kleptomania? – Boardwalk Recovery Center
    https://boardwalkrecoverycenter.com/what-is-kleptomania/
    Psychotherapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. For example, to help you control your kleptomania urges, cognitive-behavioral therapy may include the following techniques: […] Covert sensitization: This occurs when you imagine yourself stealing and then experiencing negative consequences such as being caught. […] Aversion therapy involves mildly painful techniques such as holding your breath until you become uncomfortable whenever you get an urge to steal. […] Systematic desensitization involves relaxation techniques and picturing yourself controlling the urges to steal.
  • #21 Kleptomania
    https://www.annabellepsychology.com/kleptomania
    Kleptomania is categorised under impulse control disorders. Individuals with kleptomania experience a recurrent compulsion to steal. They find it hard to resist the temptation to steal and this often results in serious consequences (e.g. criminal offences or dysfunction to their everyday functioning). […] Yes! Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is regularly used to manage impulse control disorders. It aims to help people with impulse control disorders understand why they may act on their impulse and guide them through adaptive methods which they can adopt to resist the temptation to steal. Some of the techniques used in CBT to help people cope with impulse control disorders include: […] Covert sensitization: imagine stealing and the possible consequences of stealing (e.g. handcuffed, approached by the police, or imprisoned)
  • #22 Kleptomania
    https://www.annabellepsychology.com/kleptomania
    Imaginal desensitization: imagine contemplating on their urge to steal when they are tempted and successfully not succumbing to temptation in the end […] Aversion therapy: repeated pairing of unwanted behavior with discomfort or mildly painful behaviors (e.g. practice breath holding techniques whenever one feels the urge to steal) […] Alternative sources of satisfaction or gratification: partake in other activities that also provide excitement for the individual (e.g. playing sports, drawing, or bird watching)
  • #23 Cognitive behavioural group therapy with mindfulness for kleptomania: an open trial | the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist | Cambridge Core
    https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-cognitive-behaviour-therapist/article/cognitive-behavioural-group-therapy-with-mindfulness-for-kleptomania-an-open-trial/0643F722EFEC037AAF45AD50041CB919
    Kleptomania is an addiction to stealing without an economic motive; therefore, an examination of effective interventions as a preventive measure is needed. The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) combined with mindfulness for the treatment of addiction has been previously indicated, and it is presumed to be effective for kleptomania; however, this relationship remains unstudied. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural group therapy (CBGT) combined with mindfulness for treating kleptomania. The results of a 12-session programme of CBGT combined with mindfulness for 22 patients with kleptomania showed that kleptomania symptoms and quality of life (QOL) improved. Furthermore, the recovery process revealed that the improvement of distress tolerance affected the improvement of kleptomania symptoms and that the improvement of reward perception and distress tolerance affected the improvement of stress response and QOL. These results suggest that CBGT combined with mindfulness may be effective in improving symptoms and QOL in kleptomania.
  • #24 Cognitive behavioural group therapy with mindfulness for kleptomania: an open trial | the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist | Cambridge Core
    https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-cognitive-behaviour-therapist/article/cognitive-behavioural-group-therapy-with-mindfulness-for-kleptomania-an-open-trial/0643F722EFEC037AAF45AD50041CB919
    This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural group therapy (CBGT) combined with mindfulness on kleptomania symptoms and QOL. […] This study examined the effects of a programme consisting of CBGT and mindfulness on kleptomania. The results suggest that this programme may improve the symptoms, QOL and psychological stress responses of people with kleptomania. Therefore, the programme may be expected to be a useful intervention for kleptomania. […] Furthermore, it was suggested that the programme contributed to improved reward perception in the living environment and to increased tolerance of unpleasant emotions as a process variable leading to recovery. […] Therefore, CBGT combined with mindfulness may be an effective intervention for the treatment of kleptomania.
  • #25 What Is Kleptomania And What Can You Do To Treat It? | BetterHelp
    https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/impulse-control-disorder/what-is-kleptomania-and-what-can-you-do-to-treat-it/
    Still, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and/or off-label medications are often used to help manage kleptomania. A study on the effectiveness of CBT in combination with mindfulness found that both symptoms of kleptomania and quality of life improved when participants were involved in a combination CBT mindfulness program.
  • #26 Kleptomania on the impulsive–compulsive spectrum. Clinical and therapeutic considerations for women | Scientific Reports
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-85705-9
    To date, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed for ICDs is the most widely used psychological treatment for KM, targeting impulsive elements. […] However, considering the present results, this impulsivity-directed intervention may not addressing the complexity of KM, and interventions for OCD, such as ritual or response prevention (EX/RP) treatments, warrant consideration. […] Therefore, regarding our second aim, it may not be possible to frame KM on one sides of an impulsive-compulsive spectrum, but to consider KM a disorder of interest for an initial exploration of the multifaceted nature of the condition. […] The findings of the present study suggest that KM can present both impulsive and compulsive features, considering obsessive-compulsive SCL-90 subscale and harm avoidance (in the compulsivity bound) and novelty seeking and positive and negative urgency (in the impulsivity bound). Therefore, is important to keep studying the disorder, not only as an ICD, but also from a multiple dimension into the impulsive-compulsive spectrum perspective. […] Regarding treatment, in general, CBT is used, but other compulsive-related elements may be incorporated in cases that do not appear to respond to the traditional impulsive-directed treatments.
  • #27 Kleptomania
    https://johnsonmemorial.org/jmh-health/disease-conditions/con-20344531
    Cognitive behavioral therapy may include these skill-building techniques to help you control kleptomania urges. […] To help avoid relapses, be sure to follow your treatment plan. […] Recovery from kleptomania can take time. Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind. […] People with kleptomania may benefit from participating in self-help groups based on 12-step programs and those designed for addiction problems. […] If you struggle with an irresistible urge to steal, talk to your health care provider. […] Having that discussion can be scary, but trust that your provider is interested in caring for your health, not in judging you.
  • #28 Kleptomania: Diagnosis and Treatment – Terapia Online Presencial Madrid | Mentes Abiertas
    https://mentesabiertaspsicologia.com/blog-psicologia/kleptomania-diagnosis-and-treatment
    Treatment of kleptomania is usually multidisciplinary and personalized, adapting to the specific needs of each individual. The most common therapeutic options include: […] CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on identifying and modifying distorted thoughts and related dysfunctional behaviors. with kleptomania. This therapy helps the individual learn healthier coping strategies and develop skills to resist the urge to steal. […] Participate in group therapy sessions with other people who also suffering from kleptomania can provide emotional support, share experiences and coping strategies, and help reduce the feeling of isolation and shame associated with the disorder. […] In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat symptoms associated with kleptomania, such as anxiety, depression, or impulsivity problems. Medications may include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or impulse control medications.
  • #29 Kleptomania: 4 Tips for better diagnosis and treatment | MDedge
    https://www.mdedge.com/currentpsychiatry/article/226314/kleptomania-4-tips-better-diagnosis-and-treatment
    Kleptomania is characterized by a recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or their monetary value. […] Due to the clinical ambiguities surrounding kleptomania, it remains one of psychiatry’s most poorly understood diagnoses and regularly goes undiagnosed and untreated. Here we provide 4 tips for better diagnosis and treatment of this condition. […] 1. Screen for kleptomania in patients with other psychiatric disorders because kleptomania often is comorbid with other mental illnesses. […] 2. Distinguish kleptomania from other diagnoses that can include stealing. […] 3. Select an appropriate treatment. There are no FDA-approved medications for kleptomania, but some agents may help. […] Some evidence suggests a combination of pharmacologic and behavioral therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, covert sensitization, and systemic desensitization) may be the optimal treatment strategy for kleptomania. […] 4. Monitor progress. After initiating treatment, use the Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale (K-SAS) to determine treatment efficacy.
  • #30 Know how to Find Kleptomania Treatment – Addiction Hope
    https://www.addictionhope.com/mood-disorder/kleptomania/treatment/
    Kleptomania is a psychiatric disorder that is extremely difficult to live with. […] You can get control of your life again by entering a kleptomania treatment center. They will help you understand your disease and give you the tools needed to manage it. […] A kleptomania treatment team has to be created. This team will be comprised of friends and family, a licensed psychologist, a kleptomania treatment program, and a support group. […] A licensed counselor will be able to create a personalized kleptomania treatment program. […] A kleptomania therapy program will boost the ability to successfully deal with kleptomania. […] Pharmacological therapy in conjunction with behavior therapy provides a truly effective combination in controlling kleptomania. […] Psychotherapy in combination with drug treatment has presented the most effective treatment solution. […] A kleptomania treatment center will incorporate several amalgamations of behavioral therapies to better support rehabilitation of the diverse mental and emotional needs. […] Seeking the aid of a kleptomania treatment center can help you get the impulse to steal under control.
  • #31 How to Overcome Kleptomania – 6 Steps to Overcoming Kleptomania
    https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/kleptomania/how-to-overcome-kleptomania/
    Co-occurring disorders like drug addiction, anxiety and depression need to be treated at the same time you’re undergoing treatment for kleptomania. […] Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and tai chi can help you manage urges and symptoms of kleptomania. […] Recovery from kleptomania, like most disorders, takes time, but it’s important to remain focused on the goal of recovery.
  • #32 Kleptomania in teens: Symptoms, Diagnosis and more
    https://clearforkacademy.com/blog/kleptomania-in-teens-as-mental-disorder/
    Kleptomania, an impulse control disorder characterized by the irresistible urge to steal despite no financial need, can be a baffling and distressing condition, particularly for teenagers. […] This article looks at the complexities of kleptomania in adolescents, exploring its symptoms, potential causes, the unique challenges posed by substance abuse, and effective treatment options. […] Diagnosing kleptomania involves a comprehensive evaluation to distinguish it from ordinary theft or other behavioral issues. […] Effective treatment must therefore involve a comprehensive approach that includes behavioral therapies, support groups, and, when necessary, medication to manage the symptoms of both kleptomania and substance abuse. […] Addressing the dual diagnosis of kleptomania and substance abuse presents unique challenges for treatment providers.
  • #33 Kleptomania in teens: Symptoms, Diagnosis and more
    https://clearforkacademy.com/blog/kleptomania-in-teens-as-mental-disorder/
    Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach that includes therapy aimed at improving impulse control, addressing any underlying mental health conditions, and developing healthier coping strategies. […] Managing treatment options for kleptomania in adolescents requires a careful, personalized approach that considers the unique circumstances and needs of each individual. […] By integrating professional interventions like CBT and family therapy with targeted medication and dual-diagnosis treatments for co-occurring substance abuse, teens and their families can embark on a path toward recovery.
  • #34 Kleptomania And Addiction – Addiction Resource
    https://www.addictionresource.net/dual-diagnosis/impulse-control-disorders/kleptomania/
    There may be a direct connection between kleptomania and substance use disorder. […] When kleptomania and substance abuse occur together, dual diagnosis treatment is recommended to treat the underlying factors of both disorders. […] Treatment for substance abuse and kleptomania often involves similar treatments and medications. […] Generally, an integrated approach during dual diagnosis treatment involves various therapies to treat both disorders. Treatment may include group therapy, medication, detoxification, counseling, and behavioral therapies that reinforce a healthy lifestyle, sobriety, and impulse control. […] Treatment recovery rates are higher when treating both kleptomania and substance abuse simultaneously. […] Dual diagnosis treatment is offered by local treatment centers, individual medical providers, and residential rehabilitation centers. […] If you or someone you love has kleptomania or a substance use disorder, or you want to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment, please contact our helpline today.
  • #35 Kleptomania symptoms and treatment – The Diamond Rehab Thailand
    https://diamondrehabthailand.com/kleptomonia-symptoms-and-treatment/
    Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by recurrent urges to steal. […] The treatment options for kleptomania include medications, psychotherapy, and relapse prevention. […] The recommended treatments for kleptomania are often tailored to the individual’s specific needs and involve a multidisciplinary approach for effective management of the condition. […] In most cases, a combination of different treatment approaches works best. […] Treatment for kleptomania is effective through a well-structured program that addresses the unique needs of each patient. […] Psychotherapy is an extensively employed and foundational therapeutic approach for kleptomania. […] The most common type of psychotherapy for kleptomania and other impulse control disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). […] Avoiding relapses is a crucial component of kleptomania treatment, which includes tactics and interventions meant to stop bouts of impulsive theft from happening again.
  • #36 Kleptomania: Causes, Symptoms, Disorder, Treatment and Prevention
    https://www.apollohospitals.com/health-library/mental-health-how-a-kleptomaniac-thinks-differently
    Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy helps in replacing negative behavior and thought processes with positive ones. Cognitive behavioral therapy includes covert sensitization, aversion therapy, and systematic desensitization. […] If you feel the urge to steal again, you should not discontinue your treatment. You should contact your doctor, a support group, or a close friend or family member if you have a temptation to steal. […] The most important step in the treatment of Kleptomania is self-awareness and the urge to get cured. You need to stick to your treatment plan without missing therapy sessions. You should identify the situations or feelings that may trigger you to steal. Try to control the urges through meditation. […] A kleptomaniac can get help from support groups who deal with impulsive disorder diseases. Your psychotherapist might suggest such groups to help you.
  • #37 Kleptomania Disorder
    https://www.tamuct.edu/research/databases/disorders/kleptomania-disorder.html
    Treatment Summary: The medication use in the treatment of Kleptomania has shown to significantly decrease episode of stealing by arresting the behavior contributing to the deed. Treating the patient with SSRI plus naltrexone which is a mood stabilizer and administering to the patient the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) test which measures a patient stress level has shown to greatly decrease the behavior associated with the disorder. The use of SSRI and individual therapy treatments should continued until the patient’s level of perceived stress has declined. The patient diagnosed with kleptomania must monitor their behavior which might lead high levels of stress being reported. The combination of perceived medication and therapy has helped the patient monitor their comorbid diagnoses. […] Treatment Summary: Deliberately holding your breath until it becomes painful whenever the urge to steal comes to mind is one strategy used to treat Kleptomania. Thinking of something nauseating each time the urge to steal comes to mind is known as aversion therapy. The ability to desensitized ones self from acting on a negative behavior has been shown to work with patients diagnosed with kleptomania disorder. In addition, to covert sensitization techniques the use of exposure and response prevention has also been used in the treatment of kleptomania.
  • #38 Kleptomania | Psychology Today
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/kleptomania
    The treatment for kleptomania may include a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Counseling or therapy may be one-on-one or occur in a group setting. In either case, the focus is dealing with underlying psychological problems that may contribute to an individuals kleptomania. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common therapeutic approach, although some clinicians employ psychodynamic therapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which raise serotonin levels in the brain, may also be used to treat kleptomania, typically in conjunction with therapy. […] Aversion therapy is sometimes used to treat kleptomania. Typically, the individual is asked to purposely associate something unpleasant with the urge to steal, such as training themselves to think of something disgusting whenever an urge to steal arises, or to hold their breath to bring on discomfort when thoughts of stealing emerge.
  • #39 10 Things Everyone Should Understand About Kleptomania | Psychology Today
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-red-light-district/202202/10-things-everyone-should-understand-about-kleptomania
    People with kleptomania often struggle with guilt, remorse, depression, and suicidal ideation. […] Exposure and response prevention (ERP) may be effective therapy for people with kleptomania. SSRIs and naltrexone may also help with symptoms. […] Experts recommend that court-supervised treatment is a better option than incarceration for those with kleptomania. […] As with OCD, exposure and response prevention (ERP), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of kleptomania. […] Medications that may be effective in the treatment of kleptomania include SSRIs and opioid antagonists such as naltrexone. […] Some experts suggest that diversion from the criminal justice system to court-mandated treatment may be appropriate and cost-saving. […] In the meantime, they would likely benefit more from compassionate treatment instead of legal repercussions.
  • #40 Exploring the Causes and Impact of KleptomaniaExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuLinkedinPreviousContinueContinueContinueContinueContinueContinueContinueFacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedinTikTokExpandExpandExpandExpand
    https://healtreatmentcenters.com/mental-health/impact-of-kleptomania/
    When it comes to managing kleptomania, there are several treatment options available that aim to both reduce the urge to steal and address any underlying emotional or psychological issues. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often at the forefront of treating kleptomania. […] In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of kleptomania. […] Treating kleptomania usually involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. […] Preventive measures are not just about dealing with the symptoms but understanding the triggers of kleptomania. […] Support systems are invaluable in the journey to manage kleptomania. […] Understanding both the psychological underpinnings and the vast impacts it has on personal and social levels helps us appreciate the importance of comprehensive support and effective treatment strategies. […] Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with the symptoms of Kleptomania, reaching out for professional help can be a powerful first step toward recovery.
  • #41 Kleptomania: Diagnosis and Treatment – Terapia Online Presencial Madrid | Mentes Abiertas
    https://mentesabiertaspsicologia.com/blog-psicologia/kleptomania-diagnosis-and-treatment
    Involve family and close support network in the treatment process can be crucial to the individual’s recovery. Emotional support, understanding and collaboration from loved ones can increase the patient’s motivation and commitment to treatment. […] In summary, kleptomania is a psychological disorder complex that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment.
  • #42
    https://continentalhospitals.com/diseases/kleptomania/
    Family therapy: Involving family members to understand and support the individual in managing their condition. […] Dual diagnosis treatment: Addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders that may contribute to kleptomania. […] Lifestyle changes: Stress management techniques, improving organizational skills, and addressing financial issues related to the consequences of stealing. […] Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Engage in therapy to identify and modify the thought patterns and behaviors associated with kleptomania. […] Medication: Consult with a psychiatrist for medications that may help control impulses and manage underlying issues like anxiety or depression. […] Support Groups: Participate in support groups or group therapy sessions to share experiences and receive encouragement from others facing similar challenges.
  • #43 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. […] Treatment for kleptomania includes psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown effectiveness in helping individuals manage their impulses and develop healthier coping strategies. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers also be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues. […] The most effective treatment approach involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and support groups. […] Medications help manage the symptoms of kleptomania by addressing neurotransmitter imbalances and reducing impulsivity. […] Psychotherapy is a critical component of treatment for kleptomania, focusing on behavioral change and coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of psychotherapy for kleptomania.
  • #44 Kleptomania: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
    https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/disorder/kleptomania/
    The combination of these treatment options is the most effective approach for managing kleptomania. […] Yes, Kleptomania can be cured with ongoing treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and naltrexone, which help mitigate urges to steal and address underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression. […] To prevent kleptomania, educate yourself, identify triggers, learn stress management techniques, communicate openly, and seek professional help. […] If you suspect someone has kleptomania, encourage professional help, avoid confrontation, express care and concern, educate yourself and them, and support healthy coping strategies.
  • #45 Kleptomania: 4 Tips for better diagnosis and treatment | MDedge
    https://community.the-hospitalist.org/content/kleptomania-4-tips-better-diagnosis-and-treatment
    3. Select an appropriate treatment. There are no FDA-approved medications for kleptomania, but some agents may help. In an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 25 patients with kleptomania who received naltrexone (50 to 150 mg/d) demonstrated significant reductions in stealing urges and behavior. Some evidence suggests a combination of pharmacologic and behavioral therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, covert sensitization, and systemic desensitization) may be the optimal treatment strategy for kleptomania. […] 4. Monitor progress. After initiating treatment, use the Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale (K-SAS) to determine treatment efficacy. The K-SAS is an 11-item self-report questionnaire that assesses the severity of kleptomania symptoms during the past week.
  • #46 Kleptomania | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/kleptomania?content_id=CON-20344531
    A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy ones that can be used in different situations when needed. […] To help avoid relapses, be sure to follow your treatment plan. […] You can take steps to care for yourself with healthy coping skills while getting professional treatment. […] If your close friend or family member is being treated for kleptomania, make sure you understand the details of the treatment plan and actively support its success. […] People with kleptomania may benefit from participating in self-help groups based on 12-step programs and those designed for addiction problems.
  • #47
    https://www.amerikanhastanesi.org/mayo-clinic-care-network/mayo-clinic-health-information-library/diseases-conditions/kleptomania
    A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy ones that can be used in different situations when needed. […] To help avoid relapses, be sure to follow your treatment plan. […] If your close friend or family member is being treated for kleptomania, make sure you understand the details of the treatment plan and actively support its success. […] People with kleptomania may benefit from participating in self-help groups based on 12-step programs and those designed for addiction problems.
  • #48 Kleptomania – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kleptomania/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364753
    If you struggle with an irresistible urge to steal, talk to your health care provider. Be honest with your provider about your symptoms. Having that discussion can be scary, but trust that your provider is interested in caring for your health, not in judging you. You may be referred to a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, with experience diagnosing and treating kleptomania.
  • #49 Mayo Clinic Health Library – Kleptomania | Swiss Medical Network
    https://www.swissmedical.net/it/healtcare-library/con-20344531
    A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy ones that can be used in different situations when needed. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy may include these skill-building techniques to help you control kleptomania urges: systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning, covert sensitization, aversion therapy. […] To help avoid relapses, be sure to follow your treatment plan. […] If you feel urges to steal, contact your mental health provider or reach out to a trusted person or support group. […] People with kleptomania may benefit from participating in self-help groups based on 12-step programs and those designed for addiction problems. […] If you struggle with an irresistible urge to steal, talk to your health care provider. […] It’s important to get help. Kleptomania is difficult to overcome on your own. […] Without treatment, kleptomania will likely be an ongoing, long-term condition.
  • #50 Kleptomania
    https://www.mymlc.com/health-information/diseases-and-conditions/k/kleptomania2/
    A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. […] To help avoid relapses, be sure to stick to your treatment plan. […] If your loved one is being treated for kleptomania, make sure you understand the details of the treatment plan and actively support its success. […] People with kleptomania may benefit from participating in self-help groups based on 12-step programs. […] Having that discussion will undoubtedly be scary, but trust that your doctor is interested in caring for your health, not in judging you.
  • #51 Kleptomania // Middlesex Health
    https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-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. […] Although there’s no cure for kleptomania, treatment with medicine or skill-building therapy that focuses on dealing with urges may help to end the cycle of compulsive stealing. […] If you can’t stop shoplifting or stealing, seek medical advice. […] Treatments are available that may help to minimize the urge to steal and live without addiction and shame. […] Treatment for kleptomania typically involves medicines and psychotherapy, or both, sometimes along with self-help groups. […] Your provider may consider prescribing: an addiction treatment medicine called naltrexone, which may reduce the urges and pleasure associated with stealing; an antidepressant specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); other medicines or a combination of medicines.