What is Kleptomania? Kleptomania is a disorder in where the individual
repeatedly gives into the impulse to steal for no great growth even she/he has enough money to pay for the item and no need for what was stolen.
Associated Features Individuals with Kleptomania experience the impulse to
steal and are aware that the act is wrong and senseless. The person frequently fears being apprehended and often
feels depressed or guilty about the thefts. Mood Disorders (especially Major Depressive Disorder),
Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorders (Particularly Bulimia Nervosa), and Personality Disorders may be associated with Kleptomania.
The disorder may cause legal, family, career, and personal difficulties.
DSM-IV-TRThe individual is unsuccessful in resisting impulses to
steal things that are not needed. The individual experiences gratification, relief or
pleasure when carrying out the theft. They experience a rise of tension immediately prior to
the act of stealing.The act is not an expression of anger or some other
emotion nor is it the result of delusion.
Etiology The cause of Kleptomania isn’t known yet. Some evidence suggest that it may be linked to problems
with a naturally occurring brain chemical called serotonin. Kleptomania may also be related to addictive disorders or
to obsessive-compulsive disorders. It may have a genetic component and may be transmitted
among first degree relatives.
Prevalence Kleptomania is a rare condition that appears to occur in
fewer than 5% of identified shoplifters. It is much more common in females.
Researchers have given Kleptomania little attention because very few cases come to professional attention.
Not many people are diagnosed with Kleptomania because not much is know about it.
Treatment Therapy is normally directed towards Kleptomania There are relapse prevention strategies Psychotherapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy Rational emotive therapy Recent studies show that fluoxetine and naltrexone may
also be helpful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PnYb_ZvMzU
Prognosis Because kleptomania is rarely diagnosed, there are some
case reports that document treatment success with antidepressant medications, although as with almost all psychological disorders, the outcomes vary.
Behavioral treatments to help individuals control their urge to steal.
References Hucker, S J. 2003, 2004, 2005. Forensic Psychiatry. ca :
Kleptomania. Retrieved by http://www.forensicpsychiatry.ca/impulse/kleptomania.htm
(n.n). 2011. Kleptomania. Retrieved from http://www.minddisorders.com/Kau-Nu/Kleptomania.html
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2009. Kleptomania. Retrieved from 01http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kleptomania/DS01034/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Top Related