What is Kleptomania? 

From what I have seen portrayed about Kleptomania in the media, it would make others think that it is simply theft. This video is a great resource to explain more in detail what it is about and the things that are associated with it.

After hearing that kleptomania is characterized by impulsivity followed by relief or gratification, I immediately compared the impulse control characteristic with obsessive-compulsive characteristics. You did mention the theory of a process addiction. It makes sense that kleptomania is comorbid with anxiety, bipolar, and substance use disorders in terms of restlessness and/or impulsivity. I have worked with juvenile shoplifters with whom impulsivity is often an increased occurrence. It is also interesting that some individuals store objects (perhaps minimal hoarding) whereas others discard or return objects.

Fuck. I’m a kleptomaniac. I never knew there was a word for my problem.

Interesting. When I was 2 & up until age 6 I'd steal small household items of no value & hide them under the bed .(nail clippers, toothpaste etc ) I was a very anxious child with very strict, rigid parents. I built up quite a collection, but could never explain why I wanted them.

how do you treat kleptomania?

I'm totally stealing this video :)

I didn’t expect Kleptomania to be comorbid with Anxiety Disorder. I’d like to look more into this.

I found it extremely interesting that there is a higher rate of women (3:1) that have Kleptomania. I understand why there Kleptomania is often associated with OCD and why those with this disorder would like to hoard or "collect" the items they have stolen. Very interesting!

I find it interesting that there is an increase in tension before an episode, and that the individuals may store the items or sneak the items back in the store.

I had a kid I grew up with that had to steal things. If he wanted something he would steal it and deny he took it directly to your face. The more I think about it I knew a lot of kids that did this as I grew up.

Unfortunately this issue is to often downplayed in modern day culture. Addressing this behavior allows the patient to confront other potential co-morbid disorders.

Very interesting explanation on this topic. I feel that kleptomania has such a stigma in society, perhaps even more than other mental disorders. Awesome review, Dr. Grande. Thank you.❤

I have friend that may have this disorder. I'm in another country from her now so i can't address this directly face to face. Any ideas how I should proceed?

My job fired me but before I left I stole much of the medical supplies just to feel better #ihaveaproblem

It was interesting that the video said Kleptomaniacs don't steal for monetary gain. How does kleptomania relate to substance use disorder? Some people with substance use disorder steal for monetary gain or drugs

I was recently diagnosed with OCD, kliptomania and BPD

Good night Nice sharing , give new knowledge for me . Very educational . Thanks you

I became a kleptomania back in 1996 when I lost my job, and my home and everything else. I wanted to fill that void in my life, by stealing and now its been a way of life for me and I can't stop. I have a job and all my money goes to bills and I have nothing left over to buy myself things. I would take things of no value and hoard it. Its something I have trouble controlling. I want to stop but I can't. Its like a smoker trying to quit cigarettes. Thank goodness that its just petty stuff, instead of more valuable stuff. I tell my mind that its ok. I'm only borrowing these things and i'm going to return it later. Its something i'm going to have to help myself get over. I never realize i was a klepto until today. I thought I was just a thief. Maybe God can help me over come it.

Klyptomania is a by-product exsaust of Genius

Well I do it because I grew up around many people who did 🤷🏻‍♀️it’s like a habit I dunno and how is this rare if I have it smh

Ive been known to do this even though ive had counseling and been taking antianxiety medications for decades. It also can make one feel bad and guilty as i know its wrong, its a sin and returning items do not take it away that it was stolen. Just like an addict feels regret and sness.

Very interesting. My friend's wife likes to explore old abandoned buildings and homes in the south. She went into an old home built in the late 1800's that was in part a funeral home. She found and took with her when she left some syringes and some bottles of embalming fluid. A few days later she went back and took a two drawer metal file. Her husband is a recently retired commercial pilot with a high income and pension. She retired a few years ago as a hair stylist. They have been married for 38 years. By choice they have no children. She got into art and likes to paint small rocks and create art work from broken colored glass she has taken from various abandoned structures. She used to also dumpster dive. She is obese due to her eating habits. When she explained this recent event I got the sense her telling the story was a way to validate her behavior. No remorse. No consideration that she was probably stealing the items. She seemed proud when she spoke about it. Her husband is definitely not happy with this. Probably a lot of dynamics going on having to do with their marriage. Would be nice to be a fly on the wall and watch Dr. Grande interview her. Human behavior is so interesting. To be honest, I hope she gets caught. She is basically trespassing and stealing in my book. Anyway, I like the Dr.'s videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I have it

Is this an excuse to steal? IT DOESN'T MATTER WHY THEY'RE STOLEN...IT'S A CRIME!

Had a female teacher in a small town that was a kleptomaniac. Her husband went to all the businesses she visited and told them to bill him. It was embarrassing in the 1970s