Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Kleptomania is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a recurrent inability to resist the urge to steal items that have neither personal nor monetary value. It is driven by anxiety, with the act of stealing providing temporary pleasure but leading to significant distress and dysfunction. This case report aims to discuss the holistic management approach of kleptomania including psychiatry and psychological assessment and the need for psychotherapy to alleviate the impulsive behavior. The report presents the case of a 12-year-old girl with a five-year history of compulsive stealing and concealing others' belongings, along with her management approach. The case highlights the importance of a comprehensive, ongoing assessment and the adjustment of therapeutic interventions in treating childhood kleptomania to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Effective treatment strategies for kleptomania may involve pharmacological and psychosocial interventions or a combination of both. Psychotherapy and a supportive family environment are crucial in the patient’s recovery.
Authors: Muhammad Nursalam Abdullah, Maruzairi Husain, Norzila Zakaria
Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409438967