1. Unit 12:psychology adan.pineda period:1
Kleptomania
Unit 12:psychology adan.pineda period:1

2. Definition
A irresistible urge to steal, typically without regard for need or profit
Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder. A disorder that makes a person shoplift

3. Associated features
An intense urge to steal when they really don’t need the item they steal.
A feeling of relief, or fear after stealing
Unsuccessful in resisting impulse to steal things that are not needed.

4. Etiology Causes Major depression Head injury Prevalence
This disorder is more common in females than males.
only 15% of all theft is committed by public the rest is by staff (85%)

5. Dsm-iv-TV The individual experiences tension before stealing.
The individual's tension is relieved or gratified by the act of the theft.
Other psychological disorders can't account for the individual's stealing behavior (like manic episodes and antisocial behaviors)

6. Treatment Psychotherapy
cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones
Medication
Prognosis
Kleptomania begins in early childhood years
There's know cure for this disorder but there is a chance of improvement by therapy.

7. Reference
Grant JE, et al. Legal consequences of kleptomania. Psychiatry Quarterly. 2009;80:251
Kleptomania. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; Accessed Aug. 22, 2011.

8. Discussion
Do you think kleptomania is a disorder or do people just use it as in excuse?
Why or why not?