Kleptomania is the recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. The act of stealing is preceded by a feeling of tension and followed by a sense of pleasure or relief. Our providers can help address the underlying impulse-control issues.

Common Symptoms or Things to Look Out For:

• Recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value.
• Increasing sense of tension immediately before committing the theft.
• Pleasure, gratification, or relief at the time of committing the theft.
• The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance and is not in response to a delusion or a hallucination.
• The items are often given away, discarded, returned, or hoarded.