How many of you know what kleptomania is?
It is an Impulse-Control Disorder
It is an irresistible impulse to steal items that you don’t need
and have no value to you.
Powerful urges to steal items that you don’t need.
Feeling increased tension leading up to the theft.
Feeling pleasure or gratification while stealing.
Feeling terrible guilt or shame after the theft.
Cause not known
There are several theories
Problems with a naturally
Head injury
occurring brain chemical
Serotonin
 Helps regulate moods and
emotions.
Tends to appear in times of
stress
Losses, separations, ending
of an important relationship
 Fewer than 5% of identified shoplifters.
 More common in females than in males.
 Average age is 35
 Some individuals start at 5 years old
 0.6% of the population have Kleptomania.
No cure
No standard kleptomania treatment
Researchers are still trying to look for one
Self-help groups
They may help
Medication or psychotherapy
Little scientific research
May benefit from taking a combination of medications
 Medications taken:
 Psychodynamic therapy
 Antidepressants
 Family therapy
 Mood stabilizers
 Marriage counseling
 Anti-seizure medications
 Addiction medications
 Psychotherapy
 Cognitive behavioral therapy
 Identifies unhealthy, negative
behavior
 Begin in childhood
 Many few patients come for help on their own accord
 Sometimes its not even diagnosed
Discussion
Is there a difference between kleptomaniacs and regular
thieves? If so, what is the difference between the two?
Kleptomaniac-Bill Bryson
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_umMNWacY3w&feature=
related
References
 American Psychiatric Association. (2000).Diagnostic and statistical manual
of mental disorders. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
 Dr. Berger, V. (2005). Kleptomania. Retrieved from
http://ww.psychologistanywhereanytime.com/disorders_psychologist_
and_psychologists/pschologist_kleptomania.htm
 Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. (n.d.). Kleptomania.
http://www.minddisorders.com/Kau-Nu/Kleptomania.html#b
 Halgin, R.P. & Whitbourne, S.K. (2003). Abnormal psychological clinical
perspectives on psychological disorgers. New York, NY. Mc Graw Hill
 IBM.(n.d). Impulse control disorders. Retrieved from
http://fittestmind.net/Articles/impulse_control_disorders.htm
 Mayo Clinic.(2011) Kleptomania. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kleptomania/DS01034