Written by Gunjan Bedi
A kleptomaniac behavioral attitude in a child is not his or her personal choice, but still, the child carries the burden of the negative eyes which stare at him because of his or her kleptomania disorder. As a guardian and a loving parent, we need to look at our kleptomaniac child from a medical and psychological perspective and not as a criminal offense. One needs a lot of patience and well-managed tips and tricks to resolve this significant issue with ease.
Kleptomania definition, according to studies is, “Kleptomania is the inability to resist the urge to steal items, usually for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. First described in 1816, kleptomania is classified in psychiatry as an impulse control disorder. ”
Kleptomania in children is a sum of all the below mentioned pointers:
A kleptomaniac is an individual who, because of a mental disorder, can not resist the desire to steal and hoard things, which are of insignificant value to him or her in terms of both money and usage. Kids also turn kleptomaniac because of peer pressure or because of the tried and tested pleasure of taking things without permission or without paying for.
Here are a few kleptomania symptoms in children:
There are not one but many factors that contribute to the occurrence of kleptomania disorder in kids. Let’s identify the listed disorders and understand the reasons why a child becomes a kleptomaniac?
The presence of serotonin ( a brain chemical) in the brain is responsible for mood swings and emotional variation in any individual. So when the level of serotonin gets low, the kleptomania symptoms tend to occur.
Neurotransmitters present in our brain give signals to act or react in a particular manner. But when there is a problem in the smooth functioning of the neurotransmitters, the actions and reactions of individuals to any situation are different than usual. Dopamine, when released in the brain, generates the feeling of pleasure in kleptomaniac people when they steal.
Psychiatric disorders like anxiety developed because of childhood abuse or neglect, sexual repression or physical abuse, abuse due to alcohol, smoking, and drugs, mood swings, eating disorders and stress are the other causes of kleptomania. Even people with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder tend to behave in a kleptomania manner.
In certain cases, kleptomania was also identified as a genetic disorder. So families which have a history related to epilepsy, dementia, or brain injury are believed to have members with kleptomania disorder.
Yes, it is preventive with help of the following methods:
The mindset of the children is like a lump of clay ready to get molded. So when you see kleptomania symptoms in your child, mentor them with the difference in the right and wrong way of getting things. Appreciate your child if he/she acknowledges his/her theft. And also encourage him to not repeat the wrong act.
Don’t shout or scold your child for theft. But do enquire from your child the reason behind stealing, and make them realize that it’s wrong.
Once the kid accepts his/her wrongdoing, make them apologize either verbally or in writing.
Kleptomania also occurs in kids because of peer pressure. So keep an eye on the company of your kids.
Teach your child what ethical buying is. Also, make him understand that s/he can not own everything they want.
One may answer the list of given questions to identify and assess kleptomania in children:
In medical science, apart from preventive psychological treatment options as shared above, there are certain psychiatric medications like naltrexone to reduce urges and pleasure to steal. A few more medication treatment options are those that can be categorized under antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-seizure medications, and Benzodiazepines. However, please remember that all these treatments are advisable only under medical guidance.
Getting to know that your child has kleptomania is saddening and devastating. But don’t get discouraged. Proper guidance, counseling, and the right treatment can always rectify this disorder of impulse stealing in kids. Remember, that a kleptomaniac child does not have natural control over their desire to steal. So don’t strike him with harshness. Instead, deal with politeness.
Gunjan Bedi an inspirational writer and story teller. My background in medical science make me a perfect content writer in parenting and medical content writing niche. My content has touched millions of readers within three years. Since past three years I have worked with several clients in different niche and provide easy to read content that readers love the most.Read more.
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