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