Abstract
Background: Although categorized as an impulse control disorder, kleptomania has many features in common with substance use disorders. Objectives: This paper sought to examine the mounting evidence supporting the phenomenological, clinical, epidemiological, and biological links between kleptomania and substance addictions. Methods: A review of the literature examining family history, genetics, comorbid psychiatric conditions, neuroimaging, and phenomenology was utilized to examine the relationship of kleptomania to substance addiction. Results: Kleptomania and substance addiction share common core qualities, including similar treatment successes, as well as etiologic and phenomenological similarities. Conclusions: Future research investigating the relationship between kleptomania and substance use disorders holds significant promise in advancing prevention and treatment strategies for addiction in general. Scientific Significance: Research investigating kleptomania (and other behavioral addictions) and its relationship to substance addiction holds significant promise in advancing prevention and treatment strategies for addiction in general.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 291-295 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 2010 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Dr. Grant has received research grants from Forest Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline. Dr. Grant has also been a consultant to Somaxon Pharmaceuticals and for law offices as an expert in pathological gambling. Mr. Odlaug and Dr. Kim report no competing interests.
Keywords
- Impulse control disorders
- Kleptomania
- Phenomenology
- Stealing
- Substance use
- Treatment
