Kleptomania Symptoms

The human brain is no different from the vast space that surrounds us; it can never be fully understood. The brain is an unpredictable piece of equipment which always has something hidden and strange in it. One such strange elements of the brain is a mental disorder known as kleptomania. I was unaware of the fact that something like this can also exist. This disorder is characterized by the affected person's strong urge to steal items which usually hold very petty value, and they are not even required by him/her. By the nature of the condition, it can be easily inferred that, it is a serious mental disorder that can have worst consequences in the affected person's life and that of his family too. Kleptomania symptoms in children and adults have been documented below, along with some basic facts on the possible causes and treatment of this condition.

Kleptomania Symptoms in Children and Adults

As you have already read in the above segment, the most pronounced symptom of this mental illness is a strong urge to steal items, which are of no use to the patient. Now, this may give rise to other significant kleptomania symptoms, which may include increased level of anxiety, tension or nervousness while stealing, and feeling of pleasure or triumph while stealing. Apart from these, the person also gives in to a sense of guilt or shame after having made the theft. All such symptoms of kleptomania in children and adults may appear without any warning or planning. They are completely spontaneous. The patient has no personal motive behind making the act, but he/she is hit by an urge so strong, that he/she can't simple resist it. Although, the patient may feel gratified while stealing, they do get the feeling of remorse, shame and even fear of arrest for having committed such an act. However, the urge keeps coming back and the kleptomania symptoms go in a cycle. It has also been noticed that a kleptomaniac develops the urge to steal the same kind of objects, often.

Kleptomania Causes

Just like I have mentioned above, the human brain could be as vast and as unknown as space. There could be myriad things going inside it, and there could be no definite reasons for them. Factors which trigger kleptomania attacks, are still hidden and undetermined by medical science. However, extensive research reveal the fact that this disorder could be related to naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin. This chemical is in charge for regulating moods and emotions. Even addictive disorders or, to be specific, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) are assumed to be the offenders.

Kleptomania Treatment

The treatment to manage symptoms of kleptomania in children and adults, could be the most difficult part to handle in patients. Elements like fear, humiliation embarrassment, could prove as hurdles in seeking medical help and assistance. It is one of those disorders which is extremely challenging to overcome, by patients themselves. Help, not only from the doctor, but from friends and family is imminent. Like its causes, kleptomania has no standard treatment procedures for it. Patients may have to try several types of methods to come up with the best one.

While efficacy of psychiatric medications for treating this ailment, has been rarely studied, there are certain drugs which may be helpful. Medications which are generally prescribed may include antidepressants, drugs for stabilizing mood, bnenzodiazepines (works as central nervous system depressants), and drugs for seizures. There is another class of drugs which, when used, work to block a certain part of the brain which is responsible for generating impulses of pleasure with certain addictive behavior. So using these drugs may actually reduce urges of stealing.

Most patients have benefited in coping with kleptomania symptoms with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy. It basically deals with making patients aware of the impact of unhealthy, negative beliefs and behavior. And the therapy actually aids the patients to inculcate healthy and positive thoughts and acts.

The treatment plan to deal with kleptomania symptoms and the condition itself, is not so seamless as it seems in black and white. As aforesaid, patients alone cannot overcome the disorder. What they can do is, to educate themselves about the ailment, follow their treatment plan religiously, avoid situations which might drive them to steal, and getting versed with relaxation and stress management techniques. All such practices do provide a great deal of help in coping with such a serious condition as kleptomania.