Kleptomania – “it was just a small fragrance in a Chinese store…”

Abstract

Introduction

The idea that some people may not be able to control their stealing impulses emerged in 1838, when Esquirol and Marc coined the term Kleptomanie. Although there are not many studies regarding this issue, becoming therefore difficult to establish epidemiological data, various clinical samples suggest a high prevalence of the disorder. As the problem most likely become chronic when left untreated, the diagnostic approach is very important.

Aims

Literature review and discussion about kleptomania, regarding a case report.

Methods

Clinical interviews and literature review in PUBMED database.

Results (case report)

Female patient, 62 years, with history of Personality Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder, confesses in psychiatric appointment that she had been caught stealing. She says that she has this “addiction to steal” since childhood, always stealing cheap stuff, that she does not need, usually giving it away to other people. She has this behavior as she feels an unexpected and irresistible impulse to steal, with increasing anxiety, which relieves when action is consumed. Afterwards she experiences feelings of shame and guilt. The patient symptoms appear to get worse in depressive relapses.

Conclusions

Regarding individual, family and social impact of kleptomania is essential to assess it and to treat it promptly. Most of the patients are ashamed of their behavior, so they may not self-report. There are few and controversial data concerning treatment, but it is widely accepted that co-morbidity with mood disorders or substance use disorders is common and may interfere with treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.