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Kleptomania
From CopperWiki
Kleptomania is a disorder which produces an uncontrollable urge to steal. It was first described as a psychological disorder in the early 1800s, though psychiatrists continue to debate whether kleptomania is a distinct mental illness or a manifestation of some other psychological disorder. The word comes from Ancient Greek kleptein, which means “to steal,” and mania, for “craze CJvMMv <a href="http://gnhoxgxgprdv.com/">gnhoxgxgprdv</a>, [url=http://srnfietzvxjm.com/]srnfietzvxjm[/url], [link=http://thluafkeyhew.com/]thluafkeyhew[/link], http://wcejlbwfytrd.com/
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[edit] All about kleptomania
Kleptos do not generally steal things of value, such as cars, or jewelry, but mostly restrict themselves just small things like pens, paperclips, and small toys. Normally they develop a pattern and a preference for a certain item. Also typical of psychological disorders, those afflicted will often not realize they have committed the crime, until it is proved to them.
[edit] Characteristics
- Kleptos have definite urges to steal items with little monetary value that they have no psychological control over.
- They experience a sense of tension before the act
- After stealing, they experience feelings of pleasure, gratification or even pride
- The steal is not for anger or revenge, and is not brought on by a delusion or hallucination. Finally, the act cannot be better explained by another problem, specifically conduct disorder, manic episodes, or antisocial personality disorder.
[edit] Stealing patterns
- People with kleptomania steal simply because of an inexplicable urge, and act spontaneously, without planning.
- Stressful events, such as an argument, may trigger an episode of kleptomania.
- Most steal from public places, such as stores and supermarkets.
- Some may steal from friends or acquaintances, such as at a party.
- Often they stash away the stolen items and never use them.
- At times they may donate the items or give them away to family or friends,
- They may even secretly return the items to the place from which they were stolen.
- Cases where people with kleptomania repeatedly pilfer the same kinds of items, such as undergarments, the act may include an element of fetishism.
[edit] Possible causes
Though the exact cause of kleptomania isn't known, some research evidence suggests that it may be linked to problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical called serotonin. There's also some evidence that kleptomania may be related to addictive disorders or to obsessive-compulsive disorder. The findings, however, are inconclusive and more research is needed for better understanding.
[edit] Afraid of seeking treatment
Even after the act is done the urge comes back, and the kleptomania cycle repeats itself. Many people with kleptomania are afraid of seeking mental health treatment and live lives of secret shame. There’s no cure for kleptomania, treatment with medication or psychotherapy may be able to help end the cycle of compulsive stealing.
[edit] What can I do?
- Remember that it’s a disease like any other. Recognize it as one, understand and eventually lead a friend towards a cure for the disease.
- You need to intervene if you find anyone close to you having a problem because people with kleptomania don’t admit even if they know they have a problem.
- It’s important to treat this problem as you would any other disease. Accurate diagnosis is top priority. Kleptomania often to coexists with obsessive compulsive disorder (like doing certain things repeatedly and feeling restless otherwise), mood disorders, eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, and substance abuse problems.
- If you are with a friend and he behaves oddly, or starts to display a furtive manner when you enter or leave a room, be a little more aware. When out shopping together, keep an unobtrusive eye on them.
- Once it is confirmed that the friend concerned is indeed suffering from Kleptomania, confronting the patient is the hardest part, and should ideally be done by someone very close to the person.
- The best course of action is consulting a therapist who may decide on a course of therapy coupled with certain medication to treat the disorder or alleviate it as much as possible.
[edit] CopperBytes
- Research has shown emotional loss and related stressors, poor parenting, depression, and more, as causes. Interestingly, genetics also seem to have a role to play.
- Nine times out of 10 kleptomaniacs lift trivial things that nobody seems to miss, at least not immediately.
- There’s no definite medication or healing process for this disorder. The good news is that most cases of kleptomania can be cured to a large extent.
[edit] 90 degrees
As many people with kleptomania never seek treatment, it may never be possible to make correct diagnosis of the problem. Often, after repeated thefts, they are simply jailed. It's thought that fewer than 5 percent of shoplifters have kleptomania. Kleptomania often begins in adolescence or in the 20s, but in rare cases it begins in very early childhood or late in life. [1]
