Do you recollect the time spent reading about the term “kleptomania” at school or somewhere else? You can come across this term on social media posts or in newspapers. You may wonder, “what is a kleptomaniac,” along with several other questions.
This article will provide valuable insight into a kleptomaniac, what behaviors show that someone is a kleptomaniac, and how Apollo can help such people. So, keep reading.
Defining a Kleptomaniac
If your question is “what is a kleptomaniac,” you’re asking the wrong question. Ask, “who is a kleptomaniac and what is kleptomania.” That’s because a kleptomaniac is a person who suffers from an impulse control disorder named kleptomania.
A person having kleptomania disorder loses control over their desire to steal. It’s not like kleptomaniacs do it intentionally due to financial troubles; they do it to satisfy their urge to steal. The irresistible urge to steal and the subsequent sense of relief is the character trait of a kleptomaniac.
There are several other behaviors or characteristics of a kleptomaniac, which you will read in the next section.
Behavior Patterns of a Kleptomaniac |Indicators of Kleptomania Disorder|
1. Compulsive Urge To Steal
It is not like kleptomaniacs are unaware of the disorder, but their mind is not strong enough to control this urge.
In medical science, it is considered either a psychological problem or a hereditary issue. In reality, a kleptomaniac, no matter how hard he tries, will never be able to control the urges of his impulses as they are much stronger.
2. Becoming Tensed Before The Act of Stealing
The act of stealing is a sudden act that involves no pre-arrangement whatsoever. Stealing is nothing more than an impulse to act without the fear of getting caught.
Kleptomania disorder is a mental disorder, and experts believe that low serotonin levels in the body can be the reason behind it.
Why so? Serotonin is an action and emotion-regulation chemical in the brain, so experts have somehow interlinked them. No matter the reason, you can never stop a kleptomaniac from stealing.
However, therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can be a relief measure.
3. Satisfaction After Stealing
After soothing the impulse, an individual experiences a significant gush of relief. Here, dopamine plays a crucial role. The individual’s neurotransmitters outset the pleasure that makes them inclined towards more such dopamine release effects.
Researchers have found that some people become a kleptomaniac to overcome the figurative ignorance or loss of something. For many people, stealing is more of a stress-buster activity. Their minds rely on dopamine-dependent happiness from stealing.
4. Modesty After an Impetuous Attitude
A kleptomaniac can become greedy and stockpile the stolen things. Also, he will enjoy great satisfaction after stealing. Although you may call it irony, the next stage is repentance.
After the act of stealing, almost every kleptomaniac regrets the act.
5. Stealing Something Worthless
Anyone suffering from kleptomania disorder is called a thief by society, ignorant or unaware that kleptomania is an actual mental disorder. Kleptomaniacs roam around stores, markets, or even their relatives’ houses to silently and sneakily take away things of little monetary value.
It is imperative to know that kleptomaniacs steal out of their impulsive urge or sheer fantasy and not to make money out of stealing. There is a fine line of difference between a mentally weak kleptomaniac and a typical thief.
6. Storing or Hiding The Stolen Items
As you have read, kleptomaniacs don’t see the price tag while stealing any item. They pick what is in front of them. They do not even bother to steal something of their interest or benefit.
After the act of stealing and remorse, the kleptomaniac will throw away the stolen items, keep them back from where they stole them, or donate it. Moreover, they never even look back at what they have stolen.
7. Repetitive Cycle
From the onset of the stealing urge to the act of stealing to the act of repentance, kleptomaniacs are always stuck in a melancholy mood. The urge keeps coming back, and they remain stuck in this vicious cycle.
Final Words
The best way to treat kleptomaniacs is psychotherapy or medication. If someone you know is suffering from kleptomania, then provide them the best medical care with Apollo Health now.
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