Kleptomania: when compulsive stealing takes over your life
Jul 12, 2025•27 min
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Summary
Explore the misunderstood mental health condition kleptomania, characterized by a compulsive urge to steal. Hear from Lynn, who shares her lifelong struggle with these urges, the associated guilt, shame, and the challenges of seeking a diagnosis and effective treatment. Psychiatrist Dr. Sam Chamberlain explains kleptomania as an impulse control disorder, discussing its prevalence, links to conditions like OCD, potential causes, and current treatment approaches including therapy and medication like Naltrexone. The episode highlights the significant anxiety and isolation experienced by those living with kleptomania and emphasizes the importance of seeking confidential help and providing non-judgmental support.Episode description
What drives some people to steal compulsively?
This week, as part of our special four-part series Criminal Psychology, we're talking about kleptomania and the impact it can have on a person's life.
We speak to someone who’s been diagnosed with kleptomania about their experiences; from their urges to steal, to the guilt and shame they feel.
We also chat to a psychiatrist about what treatment looks like for people with kleptomania.
Guests:
Lynn
Dr Sam ChamberlainProfessor of Psychiatry, University of Southampton
Credits:
- Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar
- Reporter/Senior Producer: James Bullen
- Producer: Rose Kerr
- Sound Engineer: Emrys Cronin
- Voice Actor: Swa Kaushik
More information:
Symptom Severity and Its Clinical Correlates in Kleptomania
Why do young children sometimes steal? And what should parents do about it?
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