At What Age Does Kleptomania Start?

The average onset age of kleptomania is 17 years old. However, kleptomania's age of onset can vary widely. Symptoms have been reported in children as young as 5 years old, while some people say they didn't notice symptoms until the age of 55. Kleptomania Among Children and Adolescents.

Can a child have kleptomania?

Psychological trauma, especially trauma at a young age, may also contribute to the development of kleptomania. Family dysfunction can also cause children to steal, which can set the stage for kleptomania tendencies when combined with other mood or addiction disorders.

Are you born with kleptomania?

The cause of kleptomania is not known. Several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania. More research is needed to better understand these possible causes, but kleptomania may be linked to: Problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin.