Kleptomania By: Jasmin Leon

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-TR The 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.

Discussion Question How can Kleptomania affect a person if they are never diagnosed?

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