Kleptomania vs. Kleptophilia — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
Kleptomania is a psychiatric disorder marked by an irresistible urge to steal items not needed for personal use, whereas kleptophilia is a paraphilia involving sexual arousal from stealing.
Difference Between Kleptomania and Kleptophilia
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Kleptomania is recognized as a compulsive psychiatric disorder where individuals feel an overwhelming urge to steal, typically driven by anxiety relief, not by financial need or desire for the stolen item. On the other hand, kleptophilia is classified under paraphilias, where the primary motivation is sexual gratification derived specifically from the act of stealing.
Individuals with kleptomania often steal items irrespective of their value, which they might not even use. In contrast, kleptophiliacs are usually more selective, targeting items that are part of or associated with their sexual fantasies.
Treatment for kleptomania generally involves a combination of psychotherapy and medications such as SSRIs to manage impulses. Whereas, treating kleptophilia may focus more on psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at addressing the underlying sexual motivations and often involves behavior modification techniques.
People with kleptomania typically experience significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to their stealing behaviors. Conversely, those with kleptophilia may not face similar levels of life disruption unless their actions lead to legal consequences.
The onset of kleptomania is often linked with co-occurring mood disorders, anxiety, or substance abuse issues. However, kleptophilia might develop independently of other psychological conditions, focusing primarily on the erotic aspect of theft.
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Comparison Chart
Classification
Psychiatric disorder
Paraphilia
Primary Motivation
Compulsion to relieve anxiety, not desire for the item
Sexual arousal from stealing
Treatment
Psychotherapy, SSRIs
Psychotherapy, behavior modification
Associated Distress
Significant distress in functioning
Distress mainly from potential legal issues
Typical Onset and Co-morbidity
Often with mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse
Can be independent of other psychological conditions
Compare with Definitions
Kleptomania
Classified as a psychiatric disorder in the DSM-5.
After multiple incidents of theft, Lisa was diagnosed with kleptomania by her psychologist.
Kleptophilia
A paraphilia where sexual arousal is derived from the act of stealing.
His kleptophilia is triggered specifically by stealing luxurious lingerie.
Kleptomania
Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medication.
He is undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy and taking SSRIs to manage his kleptomania.
Kleptophilia
Usually involves sexual fantasies about stealing.
People with kleptophilia often fantasize about theft scenarios that lead to sexual arousal.
Kleptomania
Often co-occurs with anxiety or depressive disorders.
Kleptomania in many individuals is accompanied by anxiety, making treatment more complex.
Kleptophilia
Therapy for kleptophilia focuses on modifying problematic behaviors.
Behavioral therapy has been somewhat successful in reducing his kleptophilic impulses.
Kleptomania
Not related to the financial value or usefulness of the stolen items.
Despite being wealthy, her kleptomania compels her to steal inexpensive items.
Kleptophilia
Legal issues are a significant concern for kleptophiliacs.
Her kleptophilia has led to several arrests for shoplifting, complicating her personal and professional life.
Kleptomania
An uncontrollable impulse to steal items not needed for personal use.
John's kleptomania led him to steal several cheap pens from the office despite having plenty at home.
Kleptophilia
Not officially recognized in the DSM-5 as a unique psychiatric condition.
Kleptophilia is often treated as part of a broader category of paraphilic disorders.
Kleptomania
Kleptomania is the inability to resist the urge to steal items, usually for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. First described in 1816, kleptomania is classified in psychiatry as an impulse control disorder.
Kleptophilia
A paraphilia in which a person is sexually aroused by stealing.
Kleptomania
A psychiatric disorder characterized by an irresistible impulse to steal things even though there is no personal or financial need for them.
Kleptomania
(psychology) A psychological disorder that causes an uncontrollable obsession with stealing without economic or material need.
Kleptomania
A propensity to steal, claimed to be irresistible. This does not constitute legal irresponsibility.
Kleptomania
An irresistible impulse to steal in the absence of any economic motive
Common Curiosities
What is kleptomania?
Kleptomania is a disorder where individuals have an irresistible urge to steal items that they generally do not need.
How is kleptophilia treated?
Treatment generally involves psychotherapy aimed at addressing the paraphilic aspects of the behavior.
What triggers kleptomania?
It's often triggered by the individual's need to relieve stress or anxiety.
Do kleptophiliacs always have other mental health issues?
Not necessarily, though they might have other paraphilic disorders.
What are common misconceptions about kleptomania?
A common misconception is that kleptomania is just an excuse for stealing or poor behavior.
Can kleptomania be cured?
While there is no cure, kleptomania can be managed effectively with psychological and pharmacological treatments.
What is kleptophilia?
Kleptophilia is a condition where individuals feel sexual excitement from the act of stealing.
How does kleptomania differ from common theft?
Kleptomania involves compulsive stealing not motivated by financial gain or necessity.
Is stealing always a part of kleptophilia?
Yes, stealing is a fundamental component of kleptophilia as it relates to sexual arousal.
What kind of items do kleptomaniacs steal?
They might steal anything, often without regard to the item's value or utility.
Can children have kleptomania?
Yes, though it's less common, children can also be diagnosed with kleptomania.
Can therapy help kleptophiliacs control their impulses?
Yes, therapy, particularly behavioral therapies, can help manage and control kleptophilic behaviors.
How do experts diagnose kleptophilia?
Diagnosis usually involves clinical assessment of the individual's sexual history and behaviors.
Are there legal consequences for kleptophiliacs?
Yes, like any form of theft, kleptophilia can lead to legal consequences.
Is kleptomania related to personal financial need?
No, it is more about compulsion than financial need.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
