What condition is identified by the need to steal items?

Kleptomania is characterized by an irresistible urge to steal items that are typically not needed for personal use or monetary value. Individuals with kleptomania often experience tension before committing the theft and relief or gratification afterward. This impulse-control disorder is distinct from other theft-related behaviors, as it is not driven by anger, vengeance, or a desire for material gain.

In contrast, pyromania involves an obsession with fire-setting and a compulsion to engage in this behavior, generally associated with psychological gratification or relief rather than stealing. Trichotillomania is characterized by the uncontrollable urge to pull out one’s hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and distress, which is unrelated to theft. Generalized anxiety disorder revolves around excessive worry and apprehension about a variety of life events and does not specifically include stealing items as a symptom. Thus, kleptomania is uniquely identified by the need to steal, making it the correct answer.