Mrs. Marsh Psychological Disorders Presentations Unit 12: Abnormal Psychology

Psychological disorders in which people repeatedly engage in behaviors that are potentially harmful, feeling unable to stop themselves and experiencing a sense of desperation if their attempts to carry out the behaviors are thwarted.

Unable to refrain from acting on impulses that are harmful to themselves or others. Before they act, people feel pressured to act, experiencing tension and anxiety that can be relived only by following through on their impulses. When they act, people experience a sense of pleasure or gratification.

An impulse-control disorder that involves the persistent urge to steal.

Associated Features It is not that the idea of having the object that is appealing, but the excitement of stealing itself. Stealing gives a temporary thrill and release of tension. However, the urge to steal feels unpleasant, unwanted, intrusive, and senseless. Some hoard the objects; others give/throw away items.

Associated Features Common stolen objects: Food Clothes Jewelry Cosmetics CDs Toys Pens & Paper Money

Prevalence More common in women. Comorbidity leads to questioning whether the disorder is a symptom of another disorder and biologically caused.

Treatment Clinicians usually become aware that a person has kleptomania when they are receiving treatment for another problem such as: Anxiety Substance abuse Eating disorder Mood disorder

Treatment & Prognosis Similarities with OCD, therefore, people usually respond to medication. Behavioral treatments to control urges. Covert sensitization (thinking of unpleasant images when thinking about stealing). Thought-stopping techniques to resist thinking about stealing.

An impulse-control disorder involving the persistent and compelling urge to start fires.

Associated Features Before the fire, the person becomes tense and aroused. The person experiences an intense desire to prepare, set, and watch fires. The person cannot restrain themselves from acting on these strong urges. On setting the fire, the person experiences intense feelings of pleasure, gratification, or relief.

Associated Features Differs from an arsonist (one who starts fires for an ulterior motive). Prevalence More common in males. First signs occur in childhood and early adolescence.

Etiology Attraction to and curiosity of fire due to observing adult firesetting. Ineffective and/or uninterested discipline for the behavior. Emotional neglect and abuse in the home. History of substance abuse and extreme difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Exhibition of other disorders (i.e., antisocial personality disorder, depression, etc.) Low levels of serotonin.

Treatment Instruction in fire safety at a young age. Therapy focused on other accompanying problems such as low self-esteem, depression, communication problems, and anger management.