This disorder is a type of impulse control disorder. Many people with this disorder will feel ashamed and will avoid public events. They often feel too ashamed to seek mental treatment. To know whether a person has kleptomania or not it is necessary to learn about the symptoms which are typical for it. And if a person is seen with the symptoms then they should see a medical professional and get immediate treatment.
Treatment for Kleptomania
There are many treatments which are used for treating this disorder. Medications and psychotherapy are the main ones.Medication
There is growing evidence showing that medication can help a person deal with the problem of kleptomania. The medications which are to be used should be prescribed by a doctor and should be used following the doctor’s instructions strictly.Some medications which can be prescribed are:
- Antidepressants - The most commonly used medicines for treating kleptomania are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The medications in this category are Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine and many others.
- Mood stabilizers - The medications are prescribed to stabilize your mood. You will not experience mood swings so you will not have the urge to steal things. A common mood stabilizer which is used for treating kleptomania is Lithium.
- Addiction medications - These medications will be prescribed in order to stop addiction behaviors. They work by blocking the part of the brain responsible for the behaviors. It will help for reducing the urge to steal and the pleasure which it brings. A commonly prescribed addiction medication is Naltrexone.
- Anti-seizure medications - These medications will generally be prescribed for disorders which are related to seizures but in some cases they will be also prescribed for the mental disorder too. Some commonly prescribed medications are Topiramate and valproic acid.
- Psychotherapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy is the type of psychotherapy which is used for treating kleptomania. Initially this therapy will identify whether you are healthy or unhealthy and will also identify your negative beliefs and adverse behaviors. After identifying them some lessons will be taught to the patient in order to change these negative behaviors and negative thoughts. By doing so, the person will be able to control the disorder and will be free from the urge to steal items. Apart from this type of therapy, there are also some other therapies like family therapy and psychodynamic therapy which can be used for curing kleptomania.