HOMOEOPATHY FOR KLEPTOMANIA

Kleptomania is a condition in which an individual experiences a consistent impulse to steal items not needed for personal use or monetary value. The objects are stolen despite typically of little value to the individual and are often away or discarded after being taken.

Kleptomania  is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't really need and that usually have little value. Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder that can cause much emotional pain to you and your loved ones if not treated.

Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder — a disorder that's characterised by problems with emotional or behavioural self-control. If you have an impulse control disorder, you have difficulty resisting the temptation or drive to perform an act that's excessive or harmful to you or someone else.

Many people with kleptomania live lives of secret shame because they're afraid to seek mental health treatment. Although there's no cure for kleptomania, treatment with medication or talk therapy (psychotherapy) may help to end the cycle of compulsive stealing.

Kleptomania is relatively rare in the general population, with about 0.3 to 0.6 percent of people experiencing this condition.

Causes

The cause of kleptomania is not known. Several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania. More research is needed to better understand these possible causes, but kleptomania may be linked to:

·       Problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate moods and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviors.

·       Addictive disorders. Stealing may cause the release of dopamine (another neurotransmitter). Dopamine causes pleasurable feelings, and some people seek this rewarding feeling again and again.

·       The brain's opioid system. Urges are regulated by the brain's opioid system. An imbalance in this system could make it harder to resist urges.

Symptoms

Kleptomania symptoms may include:

·       Inability to resist powerful urges to steal items that you don't need

·       Feeling increased tension, anxiety or arousal leading up to the theft

·       Feeling pleasure, relief or gratification while stealing

·       Feeling terrible guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after the theft

·       Return of the urges and a repetition of the kleptomania cycle

Features

People with kleptomania typically exhibit these features or characteristics:

·       Unlike typical shoplifters, people with kleptomania don't compulsively steal for personal gain, on a dare, for revenge or out of rebellion. They steal simply because the urge is so powerful that they can't resist it.

·       Episodes of kleptomania generally occur spontaneously, usually without planning and without help or collaboration from another person.

·       Most people with kleptomania steal from public places, such as stores and supermarkets. Some may steal from friends or acquaintances, such as at a party.

·       Often, the stolen items have no value to the person with kleptomania, and the person can afford to buy them.

·       The stolen items are usually stashed away, never to be used. Items may also be donated, given away to family or friends, or even secretly returned to the place from which they were stolen.

·       Urges to steal may come and go or may occur with greater or lesser intensity over the course of time.

Risk factors

Kleptomania is considered uncommon. However, some people with kleptomania may never seek treatment, or they're simply jailed after repeated thefts, so some cases of kleptomania may never be diagnosed. Kleptomania often begins during the teen years or in young adulthood, but can start in adulthood or later. About two-thirds of people with known kleptomania are women.

Kleptomania risk factors may include:

·       Family history. Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with kleptomania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or an alcohol or other substance use disorder may increase the risk of kleptomania.

·       Having another mental illness. People with kleptomania often have another mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, an eating disorder, substance use disorder or a personality disorder.

Complications

Left untreated, kleptomania can result in severe emotional, family, work, legal and financial problems. For example, you know stealing is wrong but you feel powerless to resist the impulse, so you may be wracked by guilt, shame, self-loathing and humiliation. And you may be arrested for stealing. You may otherwise lead a moral, upstanding life and be confused and upset by your compulsive stealing.

Other complications and conditions associated with kleptomania may include:

·       Other impulse-control disorders, such as compulsive gambling or shopping

·       Alcohol and substance misuse

·       Personality disorders

·       Eating disorders

·       Depression

·       Bipolar disorder

·       Anxiety

·       Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and suicide

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When kleptomania   is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

ABSINTHIUM 30--.Absinthium is one of the best remedies for kleptomania , where the person forgets what has recently happened. Hallucinations,  loss of memory and frightful visions are other nature of this remedy.

CALCAREA CARBONICUM 200—Calcarea carb is one of the top remedies for kleptomania with inclination to steal and tell lies. They are easily excited and suspicious. Calcarea carb persons are low spirited and apathetic.

BELLADONNA 200—Belladonna people are easily excitable , and they have a desire to escape or hide. Acuteness of all senses is another character of Belladonna. Starts in fright at the approach of others.

OPIUM 200—Opium is indicated for kleptomania with a tendency to steal and  lie. They have perversion of all senses. Opium person is irritable, nervous, and have a tendency to start. Fears after fright, which remains.

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS 200—Pulsatilla is suited to mild, timid and tearful persons with changeable moods. Weeps easily. Craves company. They are suspicious and disgusted at everything. Easily offended nature.

STAPHYSAGRIA 200—Staphysagria is another effective remedy for kleptomania, with want of self control. They are sensitive both emotionally and physically. Hypochondriacal. Great indignation about the things done by others or by himself, grieves about the consequences. They are irritable, nervous and excitable.

SULPHUR 200—Sulphur is indicated for stealing habit in tobacco users or gamblers. They are very selfish, no regard for others. They are highly impulsive. Foolish happiness and pride, thinks himself in possession of beautiful things, everything looks pretty which the person takes a fancy to , even rags seem beautiful or immensely wealthy.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS 200---Thuja occidentalis is another medicine for kleptomania , where the person have full of hidden plans. They are over excited, angry or anxious  about trifles. Dullness of mind is another nature of Thuja occidentalis. They are irritable, quarrelsome, and jealous. They have fixed ideas.