Kleptomania in Children

Kleptomaniac Definition: The condition of not being able to resist the urge to collect or hoard things. People with this disorder are compelled to steal things, generally objects of little or no significant value, such as pens, paper clips, tape, traffic cones, signs, and small toys.

Kleptomania is a undeniable desire to flick something. This disorder usually begins at adolescence and is seen as rare cases in children. Kleptomaniacs steal because they are mentally unstable, rather than being criminal in thought. Studies have shown that kleptomania is more common in women than men. Nonetheless, children too are affected by it. Let's understand the causes of kleptomania in children.

Causes of Kleptomania in Children
Sadly, what causes kleptomania in children is unknown. As mentioned earlier, women in their late 30's are more at a risk of being kleptomaniacs. The kleptomaniac symptoms may begin to show at an early age of five. The problem of kleptomania is linked to a brain chemical called as Serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical which regulates the moods and emotions of an individual. There is also a theory which believes that kleptomaniac causes maybe related to obsessive compulsive disorder or depression. Kleptomania can occur due to a brain injury too. Read more about signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Kleptomaniac Symptoms
Kleptomania in young children is very traumatizing for the parents. Knowing a few kleptomania symptoms will help to deal with a kleptomaniac better.

• They get tensed and excited, at the same time, before and during stealing.
• They feel euphoric after they've stolen the object of their affection.
• A kleptomaniac does not need an accomplice. Hence they never encourage companions.
• The feelings of rage, anger or revenge do not exist while stealing.
• A kleptomaniac does not suffer from any hallucinations or is not a schizophrenic.

Young Kleptomaniacs
A desire to steal has its roots in an inferiority complex. Often, a few children feel deprived or feel the need to show off what does not belong to them. In either of the cases, a child is bound to steal. In cases, where children cannot afford a certain item, stealing becomes their only source of acquiring it. However, if your child steals once, it does not mean that the child is a kleptomaniac or a criminal. As a part of growing up, your child may experiment with the limits. However, once you've provided your children with the necessary education regarding consequences of stealing, the desire to steal disappears.

If the action of stealing continues for a longer period of time, then, the problem needs to be medically addressed. As an advice for the parents, understand, that kleptomania is a mental disorder and not a criminal act.

How to Deal with Kleptomania in Kids
Kleptomania stems from an underlying psychological problem such as stress, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse and other psychological disorders. Counseling is the first step towards dealing with kleptomaniac children. Kleptomania steals a child's dignity and brands him/her as a criminal. They lose out on friends and most importantly the trust of people around them. Parents need to understand that the child requires special care and attention. Try and engage your child in some physical activity. This will distract him/her from the act of stealing. The younger the child, the easier it is to deal with the problem. Read more about anxiety cures and anxiety symptoms.

Kleptomania Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended while treating a child with kleptomania. Sometimes anti-depressants are also prescribed while dealing with kleptomaniacs. Prozac and Seroxat are the anti-depressants that are prescribed in a kleptomaniac treatment.

Don't be offended if your child's school teacher asks your child to empty the pockets. It may be slightly embarrassing for you and your child. However, this may actually help you seek the answer to what does kleptomaniac mean. Kleptomania in children is a very rare disorder. Nonetheless, it exists.