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Suggest Treatment For Kleptomania

Posted on Mon, 28 Jul 2014

Question: My son steals money to buy chocolates and chips and other junk food. He has this problem since he was 7 years old. He never owns up even when he is caught. He buys chocolates and throws away the balance money or if he is full he throws away hoards of uneaten chocolate and chips packets in the vicinity of the house. Now he has started stealing from school too. We are exasperated because no amount of scolding or beating is making any difference. we have tried the loving way also but he just takes advantage of that. We are exasperated. These days he does not like to study also. He always wants to play or roam around on his cycle.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kleptomaniac behavior

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This is a medically known psychological disorder called kleptomania. In this the patients will lack insight - that is they don't know why they do that or that it is wrong. But they cannot resist the idea if stealing once they get the thought of it.
I suggest you consult a child psychologist for this as this is remediable. No amount if scolding will help it.

Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (2 hours later)

Hi Doctor ,

Thanks for your answer. We are not located in XXXXXXX We are located in Pathanamthitta in XXXXXXX Nearby prominent places would be Thiruvalla or Kottayam. Also I would like to know if this condition maybe heriditory. Is their a chance that a sibling may also have it.What are the causes for this condition to occur? Is there a possibility that this condition maybe self cured without treatment ? What kind of treatment is involved i.e. medicines or counselling or both. Who all need to be part of the treatment. Our family comprises of me my husband my son a younger daughter and my mother in law. Ours being a close knit family we have lot of extended family members who visit us and stay with us as livin guests. Also how long will the treatment. Take. Is this the right age for him to undergo treatment or are we early or late.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions regarding treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi..

many of these questions can only be answered after your kid is assessed by a competent psychiatrist personally. I will answer them up to the best of my knowledge one by one.

1. The cause of kleptomania is unknown, although it may have a genetic component and may be transmitted among first-degree relatives.
2. Treatment is normally directed towards impulse control, as well as any accompanying mental disorders. Relapse prevention strategies, with a clear understanding of specific triggers, should be stressed.
3.Treatment may include psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and rational emotive therapy. Sometimes drugs like fluoxetine may also be helpful.
4. As to how long the treatment will take and is the right age should be decided by the psychologist please.

I wish your kid a speedy recovery. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link. Please find the link below.
www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj