I am the parent of a 17 yr old boy who I think suffers from cleptomania. I has been an ongoing problem with him bringing different things home that we didn't buy for him.
He was told not to bring nothing home that we have not bough, but that would not solve the problem since he gives the stuff away to his friends. I remember when he was around 9 or 10 yrs old we had some issues with him taking things from his friends, but now he is taking bigger and more expensive items, which he gives away. Most of the items he takes if not all, he already has. He was caught a couple of times but the people he took the items from just requested to have the stuff returned, and it went no further. The police was involved in one of the incidents but no charges were pressed. I need to know it this could be cleptomania or some other type of anxiety issue and how can I help him before its too late ?

It is not about having the stuff, its about the thrill of the successful theft being like the rush of a drug high. Please get your son good professioal help NOW while he is still of age where you have means to do this. It is an addiction and it will only progress if left unchecked, causing lots and lots of sorrow. If you aren't sure where to start looking for someone, talk to your medical doctor. They should be able to help you connect with appropriate help. It may or may not work, depending on if they can break through your son's initial denial. Don't delay and don't indulge YOUR denial any longer, please. And yes, forgive the directness of this but seven years of doing nothing effective about it for your son's own wellbeing IS a form of denial. Please, act now.

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Originally Posted by disapointedandworry

I am the parent of a 17 yr old boy who I think suffers from cleptomania. I has been an ongoing problem with him bringing different things home that we didnt buy for him.
He was told not to bring nothing home that we have not bough, but that would not solve the problem since he gives the stuff away to his friends. I remember when he was around 9 or 10 yrs old we had some issues with him taking things from his friends, but now he is taking bigger and more expensive items, which he gives away. Most of the items he takes if not all, he already has. He was caught a couple of times but the people he took the items from just requested to have the stuff returned, and it went no further. The police was involved in one of the incidents but no charges were pressed. I need to know it this could be cleptomania or some other type of anxiety issue and how can I help him before its too late ?

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Where are you at with your son? I have a son going through the same thing. Just turned 18 and is in jail, he was on probation and stole a pair of shoes... Have you found help? I would love to know where if so.

First of all, this is a question only a professional can answer. There are many reasons children do the things they do. If this has been going on for years, or whether it just started, what is the family situation, etc. I can tell you that some children steal for gratification,it makes them feel better, sometimes on a subconsious level sometimes it's a feeling of lack of control, sometimes it is relief from stress. My son is thirteen, and has cleptomania, was diagnosed with this disorder by his psychiatrist, and for my son, it is an impulsive stealing of small, insignificant things, like a pen from the teachers desk, or a hotwheel(car). It gives him a sene of release, almost, and yes it can become addictive, and when someone is diagnosed with cleptomania, there is little you can do. Most end up getting in trouble with the police/court system. So yes, I think you should seek a therapist, psychiatric help, anything you can do to stop it, because it can become just like bolemia, people who purge for a relief of stress, because it makes them feel better, etc... also your son should not be allowed to go ANYWHERE that he can steal something and get into trouble. If this is something impulsive that he needs help controlling and understanding, why not help him understand that you are protecting him by not allowing him to go to stores, etc wout supervision, no matter how old he is, for his safety.

I am a 33 yr old mother of 2/housewife and I also suffer from the high of stealing out of stores its not what you steal its just getting away with it is all that matters yhe rush is so invigorrating that's what people like myself are looking for I am trying to find some help for this "cleptomania"but sorry to say not too much avail jail HA HA HA lets say to put it mildly Doesn't help at ing all if anybody is listening or knows of any help please write back asap