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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of kleptomania isn't known. Some research evidence suggests that kleptomania may be linked to problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate moods and emotions. There's also some evidence that kleptomania may be related to addictive disorders or to obsessive-compulsive disorder. But more research is needed to better understand the possible causes of kleptomania.
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- Hollander E, et al. Impulse-control disorders not elsewhere classified. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed July 31, 2009.
- Gendel MH. Impulse-control disorders. In: Jacobsen JL, et al. Psychiatric Secrets. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Hanley & Belfus; 2001. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152310510-3/869709846/1167/66.html#4-u1.0-B1-56053-418-4..50033-9--cesec9_630. Accessed July 31, 2009.
- Kleptomania. In: Moore DP, et al. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125211023-6/0/1243/85.html?tocnode=52436571&fromURL=85.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02911-6..X5001-5--section6_797. Accessed July 31, 2009.
- Aizer A. Kleptomania after head trauma: Two case reports and combination treatment. Clinical Neuropharmacology. 2004;27:211.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 10, 2009.
