(dailyRx)

A drug commonly used to treat alcohol and drug addiction could curb the compulsive behavior of kleptomaniacs, according to new research at the University of Minnesota.

The university's Department of Psychiatry conducted an eight-week, double-blind study of 25 men and women ages 17 to 75 who spent an average of at least one hour a week stealing. Those who took the drug naltrexone (mean dose of 117 mg daily) reported significantly greater decline in stealing behavior compared to those participants taking placebo.

The research is published in the April 1 issue of the Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

"It gets rid of that rush and desire," said Jon Grant, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., a University of Minnesota associate professor of psychiatry and principal investigator of the study. "The difference in their behavior was significant, and these people were really troubled by their behavior."

A recent epidemiological study of about 43,000 adults found that more than 11 percent of the general population admitted to shoplifting in their lifetime. It is unclear, however, how many people who steal suffer from kleptomania.

While the drug is not a cure for kleptomania, Grant said it offers hope to those who are suffering from the addiction. He also said the drug would most likely work best in combination with individual therapy.

"These are people who steal even though they can easily afford not to," Grant said.

Naltrexone is approved by the FDA for use in alcohol and opiate dependence, but it also has been studied and proved successful in helping gambling addicts. Naltrexone is sold under the brand names Revia and Depade. An extended-release formulation is sold under the name Vivitrol.

Contact:
Nick Hanson
612-624-2449
hans2853@umn.edu