Treatment for kleptomania

I have a friend who keeps on stealing minor items. Is there a treatment for this condition?

Kleptomania is difficult to overcome with self-treatment at home. There are no standard treatments for the disorder and doctors use a combination of medications and psychotherapy to help overcome the impulse to steal. Even though medications like anti depressants and mood stabilizers are used, there is no clinical evidence that these medications help overcome kleptomania. Moreover, the same medication does not work in all individuals. Most of the medications relieve stress, cause generalized sedation and diminish the urge to steal. The major thrust of treatment is psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been used to identify unhealthy negative behaviors and replace them with healthy positive attitudes. CBT can gradually help people overcome kleptomania, but the treatment is long term and expensive.

To prevent relapse, individuals are urged to develop a support system. This may means educating one's self about the disorder, adopting healthy attitudes, learning to relax and remaining focused. Since the cause of kleptomania is unknown, it is difficult to prevent it. The best way to treat it is to seek help early. Overall, the prognosis of kleptomania depends on the severity of the condition. Those in the early stages can overcome the disorder but those with a long history often end up in legal and financial problems.