Kleptomania is an Impulse-control disorder (ICD) whose main characteristic is an intense impulse to steal unnecessary objects, almost always of little value. It is a rare mental illness, which is often accompanied by other emotional imbalances.
The kleptomaniac does not plan their robberies nor seeks to benefit from them. This imperious need to take control of what is foreign arises from the intense emotion caused by the act itself. However, later, they may experience a sense of shame or guilt.
Although there is currently no cure for kleptomania, medication treatment and psychological therapy can help reduce the cycle of compulsive theft. Unfortunately, many refuse to seek support, because they do not accept their problem or fear being judged.
