Why do people become kleptomaniacs?

About this episode

It might only affect between 0.3% and 0.6% of the population, but still public awareness of kleptomania is pretty strong. It’s come to our attention through portrayals in films and TV series over the years, as well as real-life examples of Hollywood celebrities being prone to it despite all their riches. So the chances are you already know that kleptomania is a behavioural disorder which sees people feel an intense urge to steal. Often the item being stolen doesn’t hold any great financial or sentimental value, and like with Hollywood celebs, the kleptomaniac probably doesn’t even need it. What’s more, they’re generally even aware that what they’re doing is wrong. It’s just that the temptation to steal is so strong that they can’t resist. What’s actually going on in the brain of someone that has kleptomania? Is kleptomania treatable? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is omphalophobia, the fear of belly buttons?⁠ ⁠Do I need to take vitamin D supplements?⁠ ⁠What is a ‘sandwich employee’?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 18/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices