All In The Mind
All In The Mind
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Kleptomania: when compulsive stealing takes over your life
27 minutes Posted Jul 12, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
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Show notes
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 Chamberlain
Professor 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
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Opiate Antagonist, Naltrexone, in the Treatment of Kleptomania
Why do young children sometimes steal? And what should parents do about it?
Kleptomania — Mayo Clinic
Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors