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Interdisciplinary Journal Papier Volume 2, Issue 1, 2021
Human Review (Page 1-6)
ISSN: 2709-1295 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47667/ijphr.v2i1.76
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Copyright © 2021, Interdisciplinary Journal Papier Human Review, Under the license CC
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Received: January 7, 2021
Revised: February 14, 2021
Accepted: February 26, 2021
The Emergence of Kleptomania in Children and How to Cope
with Therapy
Birnabas Buzsik1, Klainheisler Foila1
1Social Science Department, Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary
Abstract
The risks of kleptomania in children are discussed, as well as influences that influence
kleptomania in children, signs and triggers of kleptomania in children, and Overcoming
Kleptomania in Children. Since committing fraud, the kid would, on the whole, feel satisfied.
Kleptomania is often linked to depression or obsessive-compulsive behavior. Kleptomaniacs
steal on the spur of the moment, with little prior planning. Kleptomania is caused by a chemical
imbalance in the brain that occurs during a head injury. Several approaches to overcoming
kleptomania in children can be used, including parental approaches, Islamic approaches,
talking to a psychiatrist, giving the child love and encouragement, including the child in athletic
activity, psychotherapy and Rational Emotive Counseling, and opioid rehab against the child
to discourage the offender from being more serious.
Keywords: Kleptomania, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder & Chemicals in the Brain
Introduction
Since he is often scared and seen as a poor guy, this behavioral condition can have an effect on
the perpetrator's social life. Kleptomania is an impulsive control condition in which a person
can't stop himself from stealing or shoplifting (Urso et al., 2018; Wiedemann, 1998). This is a
mental condition and it cannot often be monitored, particularly though the suspect is aware that
theft is bad. Kleptomania affects people of all ages, from infants to adults. Kleptomania may
arise in old age in extreme circumstances (Fishbain, 1987; Sarasalo et al., 1997). Kleptomania
is a disorder that affects children and adults. It is described as the inability to suppress repetitive
urges to steal things that are not necessarily required for personal use or that are stolen for
reasons other than monetary benefit. Kleptomania is described as the inability to suppress the
desire to steal objects that are not either required for personal use or lost, regardless of whether
the products are costly or not. An individual with kleptomania steals not to meet his own
personal needs or to meet his everyday needs, but as a show of confidence in himself and to
satisfy the complacency that governs his mind, such that after stealing, he can simply throw
away his stolen goods or offer them as a gift to someone as though they were his own. Any
facts regarding kleptomania sufferers include having extreme desires to rob other people's
possessions, experiencing intense turmoil while trying to steal, experiencing pleasure when
stealing, and experiencing remorse and shame after stealing. Islamic advice and counselling is
one of the therapies. Kleptomania is a neurological illness in which sufferers struggle to
suppress their urges to rob. Kleptomaniacs also steal items that they do not need.
Kleptomaniacs steal on the spur of the moment, with little prior planning. Unlike other robbers
who schedule their heists ahead of the time.
Kleptomania Factors
Kleptomania is also linked to depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Excessive
fatigue, a traumatic brain accident, possessing kleptomania siblings, mood disturbances,
Interdisciplinary Journal Papier Volume 2, Issue 1, 2021
Human Review (Page 1-6)
ISSN: 2709-1295 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47667/ijphr.v2i1.76
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addictions, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are all contributing factors that may improve
kleptomania conduct. Kleptomania affects people who are unable to restrain their impulses to
rob. As a result, the sufferer does not steal with a plan in mind, but rather as a habit and the
result of a state that compels him to steal. And he can't seem to suppress the overwhelming
temptation to steal. And if the item he took was useless, the crime was carried out due to a
pathological insistence that it could not be controlled, and this was a psychiatric condition
known as obsession-compulsion neurosis.
Symptoms and causes of Kleptomania in children
There will be anxiety in the kid until he takes objects that do not belong to him. The child will
be relieved and satisfied after picking up the products. The most of the time, children perform
so alone and with caution enough that no one else notices. Shame, remorse, and anxiety are all
emotions that kleptomaniac children encounter.
Furthermore, kleptomania is characterized by a sense of accomplishment after committing
robbery. Kleptomania is a condition that occurs while maniacs or antisocial personal problems
are presented.
According to Sulthana et al. (2015) many individuals are unaware of any of the features of
kleptomania, such as stealing for the sake of reinforcement rather than the value of the goods.
Unlike theft, kleptomania is committed by an individual to satisfy his compulsion to seize other
people's belongings. In fact, the stolen goods aren't always useful to him. The temptation to rob
is uncontrollable once it starts. Sufferers also experience elevated levels of anxiety prior to
taking medications. Theft also happens on the spur of the moment. Since doing fraud, there is
a sense of accomplishment. Sufferers have the option of giving the object to acquaintances,
families, or returning it to its original location. The impulse to rob goods may be lost-arising
with the intention of stealing something not for personal benefit, delusion, rage, vengeance, or
hatred. Kleptomania sufferers may even steal something from a mate, brother/sister, or
acquaintance. While the severity of the need to steal varies, kleptomania sufferers are able to
resist attempting fraud when the circumstances do not allow it.
As an example, below are some typical kleptomania symptoms (in both children and adults):
(1) Having a deep desire or impulse to take anything that isn't really appropriate. (2) Before
and after the process of picking up other people's things, there is a sense of anticipation and
excitement. (3) After taking someone else's things, you can feel relaxed, relieved, and fulfilled.
(4) Embarrassment, remorse, or fear of being discovered as a cheat. In certain circumstances,
though, kleptomania sufferers feel bad and regretful after cheating.
Causes of Kleptomania
About all children feel the need to obtain things that are not theirs during their development
time. At the age of 4-5 years, children develop the practice of stealing items that do not belong
to them. Children can have to establish rules and not take other people's possessions until they
reach a certain level where they learn spiritual and personal beliefs. Kleptomania disorder, on
the other hand, may affect certain adolescents. Kleptomania's precise origin remains unclear.
Family background and other mental health conditions may render an individual susceptible to
kleptomania (Grant et al., 2020; Goldman, 1992). Kleptomania is most likely to include those
in the core families, such as parents and relatives, who have kleptomania, obsessive compulsive
disorder (OCD), or substance and alcohol misuse. For fear of being imprisoned, often
kleptomania sufferers should not pursue treatment. Kleptomania, on the other hand, may trigger
social, family, employment, legal, and financial difficulties if not treated promptly. Other
behavioral health conditions such as opioid and alcohol dependence, behavior disorders, eating
Interdisciplinary Journal Papier Volume 2, Issue 1, 2021
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disorders, depression, anxiety, and even attempted suicide can result if kleptomania disease is
left untreated (Weintraub et al., 2014). The exact cause of kleptomania remains unknown at
this time. However, some reports claim that the following factors contribute to kleptomania.
Chemical Abnormalities in the Brain
Kleptomania sufferers are thought to have poor serotonin levels, resulting in a deep tendency
to rob that they are unable to control, according to several reports. As he is compelled to cheat,
he can feel tense. When he steals, the anxiety dissipates, and a sense of joy, relaxation, and
happiness replaces it. These emotions are what drive an individual to engage in kleptomania
over and over again.
Never Had a Head Injury
According to an analysis, kleptomania may even be encountered by anyone who has a head
wound, but further research is required. Changes in brain performance and drugs that operate
in it are believed to be triggered by the wound, which may impair a person's ability to cheat.
According to Durst et al. (2001) there are some of the symptoms of kleptomania (1) The
irresistible desire to steal. It can be done in crowded locations such as supermarkets or shops,
or in private places such as the homes of friends or relatives; (2) before stealing, kleptomania
sufferers feel an increased tension; (3) Feel relief or pleasure after stealing. At the same time
feel shame, guilt, regret, hate for yourself, or fear of being arrested; (4) often stolen goods are
placed, stored, or given again to others. Not infrequently, the stolen goods are returned to the
owner secretly; (5) the desire to steal in kleptomania sufferers can disappear arising. Sufferers
also sometimes feel caught up in the urge to steal and repeated acts of theft; (6) Theft by
kleptomania sufferers is not based on hallucination, delusions, anger, or revenge.
Kleptomania affects more women than men, and the majority of cases begin in adolescence.
The precise cause of this disorder remains unknown, although it is believed to be linked to
hereditary causes and a disturbance of the brain's hormonal equilibrium, specifically the
hormones serotonin and dopamine. Kleptomania sufferers also have co-occurring
psychological conditions such as stress, excessive fear, behavioral disorders, attitude disorders,
and eating disorders.
Overcoming Kleptomania with Therapy
If left unchecked, kleptomania has the ability to ruin people's lives. Emotional issues, jobs,
families, and court disputes, for example. This emotion appears when an individual learns that
his acts are unethical and illegal.
Kleptomania also leads to health problems (such as fear, bipolar disorder, personality disorder,
and depression), substance addiction, and sometimes suicide attempts.
Here are several suggestions for dealing with kleptomania in children: (1) Congratulate the kid
as he or she does the best thing. Explain why the acts they took were inappropriate, and require
the kid to retrieve the items he took. Praise your child after he or she has completed the task.
(2) Request that your child apologize to the individual whose property he has removed, and
that he return or compensate for it if your child has ruined it. This will serve as a deterrent to
the boy. (3) If your kid does not exhibit a sense of kapok in both of the above cases, send him
or her to a psychological doctor right away. (4) Explain to the child that professional assistance
will help them lessen their need to take and enjoy a life free of dependence and guilt.
Interdisciplinary Journal Papier Volume 2, Issue 1, 2021
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ISSN: 2709-1295 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47667/ijphr.v2i1.76
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Treatment of Kleptomania in Children
Talk to the doctor
Talking to the doctor is the first step you can take to help deal with kleptomania in your child.
Usually, some doctors will advise your child to do Behavior Modification therapy. This therapy
is done to determine the right reason behind your child's kleptomania behavior and to perform
treatments to improve your child's behavior.
Give the child attention and affection
In order for your child not to feel anxious and lose confidence, mother needs to always be by
her side to provide support. Also try not to act hard because it can add to your child's emotional
burden.
Involve the child in physical activities
To distract the little one from the desire to steal, mother can invite him to do physical activities
such as exercising, soaping, cycling, and so on.
Drug Consumption
These include drugs to overcome addiction (such as naltrexone, an opioid antagonist) and
antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine). The drug is expected to better
control its impulsive behavior, resulting in a reduced tendency to steal.
Psychotherapy
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a form of therapy that helps people manage their
emotions (CBT). This aids in recognizing and replacing harmful negative desires and habits
with better, more optimistic alternatives. The following methods are usually used in CBT:
Sensitization that occurs under the surface. People are asked to envision themselves in the
worst-case scenario, such as being judged by the masses or going to court.
Aversion therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves avoiding anything anytime an
impulse to rob occurs, the patient is instructed to hold his breath in order to create pain and
thereby reverse his intentions.
To control the impulse to cheat, systematic desensitization is a calming and self-deprecation
therapy.
Kleptomania is a serious psychiatric illness. Kleptomania may be painful for sufferers and their
relatives if it is not treated properly. Any kleptomania sufferers are afraid of getting detained
and punished because of the disorder's humiliation.
While there is no effective medication that will heal kleptomania, counseling with
psychotherapy and medications will help kleptomania sufferers curb their temptation to rob.
The goal of kleptomania treatment is to figure out what's causing the disorder in the first place.
Cognitive behavioral treatment, family counseling therapy, psychodynamics, and behavioral
adjustment therapy are several of the treatments that may be utilized to treat kleptomania. These
therapy will usually be performed alone or in classes.
In addition to medication, a number of medications are administered to kleptomania patients
to complement their psychiatric treatment. Fluvoxamine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and
sertraline are some of the medications included, and they both work by increasing serotonin
levels in the brain. Depression is usually treated with these medications.
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The difference between counseling guidance and psychotherapy according to most experts is
the view that the difference between counseling guidance and psychotherapy lies in various
aspects.
Approach to Providing Assistance
The approach of a helping in counseling guidance is by providing encouragement (supportive)
and reeducation. Supportive can be interpreted as encouraging clients to develop their potential.
Re-educational understanding means increased understanding of self, and problems.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is the application of a variety of techniques and procedures rooted in
various theories about learning. It includes the application and systematic principles of learning
on changing behavior towards adaptive ways. This approach has contributed significant
contributions, both to clinical and educational fields. Based on the theory of learning,
behavioral modification and behavioral therapy are approaches to counseling and
psychotherapy dealing with behavior change.
Emotive Rational Therapy
Emotive rational therapy is a flow of psychotherapy based on the assumption that humans are
born with potential, both for rational and honest thinking and for irrational and evil thinking
(Ellis, 2002; Ellis, 1999; Robertson, 2019). People have tendencies to nurture themselves, be
happy, think and say, love, join others, and grow and actualize themselves. But man also has a
tendency towards self-destruction, avoiding thought, slowing down, regretting endless
mistakes, superstition, intolerance, perfectionism and self-deprecating, and avoiding growth
and self-actualization. Humans also tend to be fixated on old dysfunctional behavior patterns
and look for ways to engage in self-sabotage.
Conclusion
Kleptomania is a disorder that influences children's and families' social lives. The failure to
avoid persistent incitement to steal things that are not currently used for personal use or robbed
is not due to the item's price being high or low. Any facts regarding kleptomania sufferers
include having extreme desires to rob other people's possessions, experiencing intense turmoil
while trying to steal, experiencing pleasure when stealing, and experiencing remorse and shame
after stealing. Kleptomania patients suffer from paranoia, bipolar illness, behavioral problems,
and depression, as well as substance addiction and attempted suicide. As a result, it is important
to take steps before things worsen by implementing handlers as soon as possible. The first
move in solving kleptomania is the parent's approach to the infant, which can be followed by
specialist doctor counseling. So that the kid will exist in harmony and free of psychic
disturbances.
References
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ISSN: 2709-1295 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47667/ijphr.v2i1.76
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