Kleptomania
It is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need and that usually have little value.
It is a rare but serious mental health disorder that can cause much emotional pain to you and your loved ones if not treated.
It is a type of impulse control disorder — a disorder that’s characterize by problems with emotional or behavioral self-control.
If you have an impulse control disorder, you have difficulty resisting the temptation or drive to perform an act that’s excessive or harmful to you or someone else.
Many people with this live lives of secret shame because they’re afraid to seek mental health treatment.
Although there’s no cure for kleptomania, treatment with medication or talk therapy(psychotherapy) may help to end the cycle of compulsive stealing.
People with these disease commonly feel depressed or guilty about the thefts after they occur.
About 0.3 to 0.6 percent of people are estimate to experience this condition, and it is more common among females than males, according to the DSM-5.
The cause of it is unknown, although it may have a genetic component and may be transmitted among first-degree relatives.
Problem in Neurotransmitters:
It appears to involve the neurotransmitter pathways in the brain associated with the serotonin, dopamine, also opioid systems, according to the DSM-5.
- Moreover, Serotonin helps regulate moods and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviors.
- Lastly, Dopamine causes pleasurable feelings, also some people seek this rewarding feeling again and again.
The brain’s opioid system:
- Urges are regulated by the brain’s opioid system. Additionally, An imbalance in this system could make it harder to resist urges.
Mental illness:
- People with these disease often have another mental illness, such as confusing disorder, anxiety disorder, an eating disorder, substance use disorder or a personality disorder, depression.
TYPES / VARIATIONS OF KLEPTOMANIA
1. Episodic Kleptomania
Pattern: Stealing episodes come and go in waves
May be triggered by: Stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression
Example: Someone who steals during emotionally intense periods but has long stretches without stealing
2. Chronic Kleptomania
Pattern: Persistent, frequent urges and acts of stealing over a long time
Often tied to: Deep-rooted psychological issues or comorbidities (like personality disorders or mood disorders)
Harder to treat without long-term therapy
3. Kleptomania with Comorbidity
Features: Occurs alongside other mental health conditions
Common co-occurring conditions:
Depression
OCD
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety
Substance abuse
Treatment usually needs to address both the kleptomania and the other condition
4. Situational Kleptomania
Pattern: Urges arise only in specific environments or situations
Example: Stealing only in high-stress situations like during a breakup, financial stress, or while intoxicated
May overlap with impulse control or dissociation during trauma
5. Adolescent-Onset Kleptomania
Age of onset: Starts in teenage years
Often confused with juvenile delinquency or shoplifting for peer approval
Needs proper psychological assessment to differentiate from typical risky teen behavior
6. Subclinical or “Mild” Kleptomania
Individuals have urges, possibly act on them occasionally, but not often enough to severely disrupt life
Often feel guilty and distressed but may not seek help unless confronted
Symptoms may include:
- Inability to resist powerful urges to steal items that you don’t need
- Feeling increased tension, anxiety or arousal just before theft
- Feel pleasure, relief or gratification while stealing
- Feeling terrible guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after the theft
- Return of the urges and a repetition of the kleptomania cycle
Features:
People with these disease typically exhibit these features or characteristics:
- Unlike typical shoplifters, people with kleptomania don’t compulsively steal for personal gain, on a dare, for revenge or out of rebellion. They steal simply because the urge is so powerful that they can’t resist it.
- Episodes of kleptomania generally occur spontaneously, usually without planning and without help or collaboration from another person.
- Most people with kleptomania steal from public places, such as stores and supermarkets. Some may steal from friends or acquaintances, such as at a party.
- Often, the stolen items have no value to the person with kleptomania, and the person can afford to buy them.
- The stolen items are usually stash away, never to be used. Items may also be donated, given away to family or friends, or even secretly return to the place from which they were stolen.
- Urges to steal may come and go or may occur with greater or lesser intensity over the course of time.
DIET FOR MANAGING KLEPTOMANIA
Goal: Support brain health, reduce anxiety, and balance neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
✅ FOODS TO INCLUDE
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (for brain health + impulse control)
Sources: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds
Why: May reduce impulsivity and improve emotional regulation
2. High-Tryptophan Foods (helps make serotonin)
Sources: Turkey, eggs, cheese, tofu, nuts, seeds
Why: Boosts mood and may reduce compulsive behavior
3. Complex Carbohydrates (for serotonin stability)
Sources: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes
Why: Help maintain steady blood sugar and support neurotransmitter balance
4. Magnesium-Rich Foods (calming effect on the nervous system)
Sources: Spinach, pumpkin seeds, avocado, legumes, bananas
Why: Can reduce anxiety and help with sleep, which affects impulse control
5. Fermented Foods / Probiotics (gut-brain axis)
Sources: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso
Why: A healthy gut microbiome is linked to better mood and mental clarity
6. B Vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate)
Sources: Eggs, leafy greens, legumes, whole grains, poultry
Why: Important for mental focus, energy, and emotional resilience
7. Green Tea
Contains L-theanine, which promotes calmness without sedation
Good substitute for caffeine if anxiety is an issue
❌ FOODS TO LIMIT OR AVOID
Caffeine (in excess) – Can worsen anxiety and impulsiveness
Refined sugars and high-sugar snacks – Cause spikes and crashes in mood
Highly processed foods / fast food – Linked to inflammation and poor mental health outcomes
Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) – Can interfere with brain chemistry in sensitive individuals
Alcohol – Impairs judgment and increases impulsivity
DIET + REGIMEN FOR KLEPTOMANIA
🥗 DIET (MENTAL STABILITY + IMPULSE CONTROL)
Overall Goals:
Balance blood sugar
Support neurotransmitter function (dopamine, serotonin)
Reduce anxiety and stress
Support brain health and mood regulation
✅ FOODS TO FOCUS ON
| Nutrient | Helps With | Best Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3s | Impulse control, brain health | Salmon, flaxseeds, chia, walnuts |
| Magnesium | Anxiety + calming | Spinach, pumpkin seeds, bananas, almonds |
| Tryptophan + B6 | Serotonin production | Eggs, turkey, oats, sunflower seeds |
| Complex Carbs | Stable mood + energy | Quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes |
| Fermented Foods | Gut-brain connection | Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut |
| Dark leafy greens | Folate + B-vitamins | Kale, spinach, swiss chard |
| Hydration | Cognitive clarity | Water, herbal teas, coconut water |
❌ FOODS TO AVOID/LIMIT
Refined sugar (spikes impulsivity and crashes mood)
Processed junk food (chips, soda, instant noodles)
Caffeine (in excess — can worsen anxiety)
Alcohol (lowers inhibition, can trigger impulsive urges)
Artificial sweeteners (can mess with dopamine balance)
🧘♀️ DAILY REGIMEN / ROUTINE
A structured, calming routine helps reduce stress and impulsivity.
🕖 Morning (7–9am)
Wake up at the same time every day
Drink water + light stretching or walk in sunlight (boosts serotonin)
Balanced breakfast: Eggs + avocado toast OR oatmeal + fruit + seeds
5–10 mins of deep breathing or meditation
🕙 Midday (12–2pm)
Lunch: Protein + whole grains + greens (e.g., grilled chicken + quinoa + spinach)
Avoid long fasting gaps (low blood sugar = impulsivity spike)
Quick journaling: “How am I feeling? What triggered me today?”
🕓 Afternoon (3–5pm)
Snack: Greek yogurt + berries OR a banana + peanut butter
10-minute walk or light movement
Practice urge surfing: Notice the urge without acting on it
🌙 Evening (6–9pm)
Dinner: Veggie-loaded soup or stir-fry + lean protein
Limit screen time 1 hour before bed
Herbal tea (e.g., chamomile, lavender)
10-minute wind-down: Read, light journaling, gratitude
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Absinthium:
- Generally, Absinthium is one of the best remedies for kleptomania , where the person forgets what has recently happened.
- Furthermore, Hallucinations, loss of memory also frightful visions are other nature of this remedy.
Calcarea Carbonica:
- Calcarea carb is one of the top remedies for kleptomania with inclination to steal also tell lies.
- They are easily excited and suspicious. Calcarea carb persons are low spirited and apathetic.
Belladonna:
- Belladonna people are easily excitable , also they have a desire to escape or hide.
- In detail, Acuteness of all senses is another character of Belladonna.
- Starts in fright at the approach of others.
Opium:
- Opium is indicated for kleptomania with a tendency to steal and lie.
- They have perversion of all senses.
- Opium person is irritable, nervous, also have a tendency to start.
- Fears especially after fright, which remains.
Pulsatilla Nigricans:
- Pulsatilla is suited to mild, timid also tearful persons with changeable moods.
- Weeps easily.
- Craves company.
- They are suspicious and disgusted at everything.
- Easily offended nature.
Staphysagria:
- In general, Staphysagria is another effective remedy for kleptomania, with want of self control.
- They are sensitive both emotionally also physically.
- Hypochondriacal.
- Great indignation about the things done by others or by himself, grieves about the consequences.
- Lastly, They are irritable, nervous and excitable.
Sulphur:
- Sulphur is indicated for stealing habit in tobacco users or gamblers.
- They are very selfish, no regard for others.
- They are highly impulsive.
- All in all, Foolish happiness and pride, thinks himself in possession of beautiful things, everything looks pretty which the person takes a fancy to , even rags seem beautiful or immensely wealthy.
Thuja Occidentalis:
- Thuja occidentalis is another medicine for kleptomania , where the person have full of hidden plans.
- They are over excited, angry or anxious about trifles.
- Dullness of mind is another nature of Thuja occidentalis.
- They are irritable, quarrelsome, also jealous.
- They have fixed id
What is Kleptomania?
Kleptomania is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need and that usually have little value.
Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Kleptomania?
- Absinthium
- Calcarea Carb
- Belladonna
- Opium
- Pulsatilla
- Staphysagria
- Sulphur
- Thuja
What causes Kleptomania?
- Problem in Neurotransmitters
- The brain’s opioid system
- Mental illness
What are the symptoms of Kleptomania?
- Inability to resist powerful urges to steal items that you don’t need
- Feeling increased tension, anxiety or arousal just before theft
- Feel pleasure, relief or gratification while stealing
- Feeling terrible guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after the theft
- Return of the urges and a repetition of the kleptomania cycle
