Kleptomania (Symptoms)

You don't need that thing, and you can afford to buy it, but you can't help yourself: you just take it. Kleptomaniacs compulsively steal items that are not needed or have little monetary value, and experience a rush of pleasure as a result.

These patients have an irresistible inclination to steal. Often they throw away the stolen goods, as they are mostly interested in the stealing itself. Kleptomania is distinguished from shoplifting because shoplifters plan stealing of objects and usually steal because they do not have money to purchase the items. Signs of kleptomania include:

Recurrent failure to resist stealing impulses unrelated to personal use or financial need
Feeling increased tension right before the theft
Thefts are not committed in response to delusions, hallucinations or as expressions of revenge or anger
Feeling pleasure, gratification or relief at the time of the theft
Thefts cannot be better explained by Antisocial Personality Disorder, Conduct Disorder or a Manic Episode

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