Assessment and Treatment of Kleptomania

Kleptomania, a disabling impulse control disorder, is characterized by repetitive and uncontrollable theft of items that are of little if any use. Kleptomania often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed as a mood disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder, or a substance use disorder. Unlike typical shoplifters, individuals with kleptomania steal for symptomatic relief rather than personal gain. Although the etiology of kleptomania is unknown, various biological and psychosocial theories may explain why some individuals develop kleptomania. Although cognitive behavioral therapy has shown early promise in treating kleptomania in case reports, the only controlled data for treatment involve the use of the opioid antagonist naltrexone.