Grappling with kleptomania

KUALA LUMPUR: Homemaker Anne May has never been more exasperated in her life. A box full of items she had never seen before was found stashed away under her daughter Amy’s bed and when grilled, the 13-year-old confessed that she had stolen them.

“She even told me she was ‘addicted’ to stealing... I was shocked,” said Anne, 37, who admitted that she was aware her daughter liked ‘picking up’ things that belonged to relatives or pocketing small items from the local sundry shop.

But she did not take it all that seriously as she thought her child was just being mischievous and that the habit would vanish as she grew older. It was only after coming across the box of stolen stuff under Amy’s bed that she realised her daughter may be having a serious problem.

Young Amy is a kleptomaniac. Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder, with sufferers having an intense urge to steal things that usually are of trivial value. Causes of kleptomania Physically, Amy looks like any other normal teenager. Could there be underlying mental or psychological problems that may be contributing to her inexplicable urge to pilfer sweets, stationery or small toys that she could well afford to buy?

International Islamic University Malaysia senior psychology lecturer Dr Harris Shah Abd Hamid said to date, researchers have not been able to establish the causes of kleptomania. However, he added, there were several theories, including one that suggested that the disorder is linked to chemical imbalances in the central nervous system. Kleptomania may be linked to problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical or neurotransmitter called serotonin, which helps to regulate moods and emotions in a person. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviours.

Addictive disorders, like the impulse to steal, also cause another neurotransmitter called dopamine to be released. And when a kleptomaniac, for example, commits a theft, the release of dopamine in his or her brain will lead to feelings of pleasure and gratification, causing the person to seek this rewarding feeling again and again.

According to Harris Shah, people diagnosed with kleptomania could also be having other psychological problems or an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

“But we still don’t know which one comes first or if they come together or one after the other. There are theories on (the causes of) kleptomania but its actual causes have not been firmed up,” he said.

He said if left untreated, kleptomaniacs may end up being stuck with the affliction for the rest of their lives.

“If the cause lies in the (central) nervous system, then as long as the problem is not addressed, the person will continue to steal. But if the disorder is caused by other psychological issues that can be overcome through treatment, then it’s possible to reduce the kleptomania symptoms as well,” he explained.

He said although there is no standard treatment approach for kleptomania, the symptoms can be managed through certain therapies and medications which can help to slow down and even fight those impulsive ‘urges’.

“When undergoing therapy, the patient can be trained to control and reduce those feelings of anxiety that create the impulse to steal. If they are trained to reduce their anxiety levels, then they will be able to control their behaviour as well,” he added.

He said patients may also be given medication to increase their serotonin level, but “all these only help to control and not completely cure the disorder.” Not the same as shoplifting Pointing out that kleptomania was different from shoplifting and pickpocketry, Harris Shah said the latter constitute criminal acts that are carefully planned by the perpetrators for monetary gain.

“Kleptomaniacs, on the other hand, don’t make plans... they are driven by a spontaneous impulse to steal and when this urge arises, they are overcome by anxiety. The urge (to steal) becomes so strong that it overpowers them and compels them to steal, even though they know stealing is wrong.

“And, each time they pull off a theft, they get this sense of relief and satisfaction but later on they will feel uncomfortable about it. The guilt feelings will continue to plague them which, eventually, will affect their daily lives.”

He said signs of kleptomania usually manifested during childhood and that women were more prone to this disorder. Studies carried out by Stanford University in the United States showed that out of the one million people suffering from kleptomania worldwide, 60 per cent were women.

“The low level of awareness about kleptomania and lack of proper diagnosis have led to many cases going unreported, so there may be many more people suffering from this affliction all over the world, including in our own country,” said Harris Shah. Afraid to admit He also said that unlike those suffering from depression and OCD, kleptomaniacs were too embarrassed to seek help as they feared the social stigma attached to the disorder and other reprisals.

“If they admit to having the disorder, there are bound to be people who may not understand it and will insult them and even penalise them. Moreover, since stealing is illegal, police reports may be lodged against them. The possibility of facing such consequences is stopping kleptomaniacs from disclosing their disorder or seeking treatment,” he said.

Kleptomaniacs, he added, need the continuous support of their families and friends to enable them to boldly deal with their affliction.

“Normally when a child steals, people think he is just being naughty but little do they know that the boy could be having a psychological problem. The people who are close to the child should make an effort to be more sensitive and understanding, especially if he tends to steal repeatedly. The child should be taken for counselling or examined by a clinical psychologist.”

When a kleptomaniac is detained for committing a theft, more often than not he is subject to the legal process, instead of being referred to a psychologist for treatment. Penalising them does not serve much of a purpose as they will continue to steal after paying the fine or serving the jail term. What they really need is expert help.

“If an offender claims he is suffering from kleptomania, he should be referred to a clinical psychologist to certify whether or not he is having the disorder,” said Harris Shah, adding that offenders who were known to steal repeatedly even though they had no motive other than their uncontrollable urge to do so should also be referred to an expert. This, he said, would also ensure that the offenders do not use kleptomania as an excuse to escape punishment. — Bernama