Possibility of a Spectrum
A recent study published in the Psychiatria Polska medical journal in 2018 suggests that experts should consider referring to kleptomania as a “kleptomania spectrum.” The researchers discovered that some individuals diagnosed with kleptomania were stealing items that were generally useful. This finding challenges the conventional diagnostic criteria, which states that individuals with kleptomania do not steal items that are necessary or useful to them. The authors of the study propose that, similar to other disorders, kleptomania should be viewed as existing on a spectrum, meaning that not every case will exhibit the same symptoms. This shift in perspective could potentially result in more individuals being identified and receiving the necessary assistance for kleptomania.
Medication Options for Treating Kleptomania
When it comes to treating kleptomania, a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology is often recommended. This approach involves counseling alongside the use of medication. Kleptomania shares similarities with other psychiatric disorders, which is why doctors often prescribe similar medications for its treatment. The primary focus is on drugs that enhance serotonin uptake in the brain, as this helps to inhibit impulsive behaviors. In addition to these medications, those that antagonize opioid receptors can also be used to achieve similar effects.