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Impulse control and conduct

Kleptomania

Recurrent and irresistible urge to steal unneeded items, with prior stress and subsequent relief, often followed by guilt.

Common signs

Stealing worthless or unneeded itemsTension before and relief afterGuilt and shame

Tips

For you

  1. Cognitive behavioural therapy
  2. Avoid risky situations
  3. Ask for help before there are legal consequences

For family and friends

  1. Don't judge: it is an impulse control problem
  2. Help them seek support

When to ask for help

  1. Before there are legal consequences
  2. If depression or anxiety appear

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I feel urges to steal things I don't need
2. Before stealing I feel tension
3. Afterwards I feel relief
4. Then I feel guilty
5. I don't steal out of need or revenge
6. I have tried to stop without success
7. It has happened to me several times
8. I worry about the consequences

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveConfederación SALUD MENTAL ESPAÑA (Spanish mental health confederation)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Oppositional defiant disorderImpulse control and conductIntermittent explosive disorderImpulse control and conductConduct disorderImpulse control and conductPyromaniaImpulse control and conduct

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.