Kleptomania

Kleptomania seems to be a more female-dominant disorder and the true cause of kleptomania remains a mystery.

There have been no rigorous or conclusive studies on the neurological basis of kleptomania, although it may have a genetic component and may be transmitted among first-degree relatives.

Pickpockets or as they like to be called, Finger smiths, are a common form of kleptomaniac. Their hands can always be found in a pocket or two. It is actually more suspicious if their hand is in their own pocket especially if they are smiling, creepy.

The Random Striker breed of kleptomaniac may only experience anywhere from a few bouts if "steatites" in their lifetime to semi regular occurrences. These episodes are usually triggered by something external like the jingle of keys, the sound of a coin hitting the ground, or a man dressed as a leprechaun whispering in your ear to "steal it, that's what Gandhi would have wanted".

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Treatment of Kleptomania commonly involves medications and psychotherapy, along with self-help groups. But, there’s no standard treatment to kleptomania and researchers are still trying to understand the condition and what may work best.

CONCLUSION

In Kleptomania, it is better that the person is knowledgeable about his/her condition in order to understand more the workings of their own mind and may take steps to prevent stealing others’ objects. Also, this condition commonly affected the female population. Kleptomania is distinguished from deliberate theft or shoplifting, where the individuals are motivated by a desire to acquire the item or to fulfill a dare from peers. Persons with kleptomania experience a recurring and irresistible urge to steal. This disorder is genetic and it can be acquired through family history. Moreover, there is no specific way of treating this disease as its causes are not exactly clear.

AN INTENSE URGE TO STEAL

TYPES OF KLEPTOMANIA

This is the most prominent of all kleptomania symptoms. Kleptomaniacs do not need the items they steal. In fact, very often, these items are not even used by them. Items could include paper clips, pens, flowers, spoons, or pencils. Kleptomaniacs are usually anxious, stressed, and tense. They steal in order to calm themselves. Stealing is the only way they can relieve themselves of this tension. Kleptomania signs include restlessness and unexplained anxiety before stealing.

A feeling of relief, fear, or anxiety after stealing

Some kleptomaniacs feel a sense of relief after stealing. They may even feel calm after the episode. On the other hand, others may exhibit symptoms such as guilt, remorse, fear, and self-loathing. However, almost all find it impossible to control their kleptomania, and as a result, the cycle repeats itself sooner or later.

LACK OF MALICE

Kleptomaniacs do not steal for personal gain. They steal because they find it almost impossible to control their urge. They do not target a particular individual or a shop for a specific reason. They steal to alleviate their anxiety.

COMPULSIVE STEALING

This is one of the symptoms of kleptomania that makes it an impulse disorder. These people steal regularly, mostly from public places. Although some of them feel guilty after stealing, the anxiety and need for euphoria sets in again, making them repeat the act.

TREATMENT/MEDICATIONS

Lack of conduct disorder or manic episodes

The third one is Abstract Acquire this rare breed attempts to acquire that which is not theirs nor is tangible. Some things attempted to be acquired by these kleptomaniac Arts students over time have been the concept of freedom, equality, the cost of electricity, the Matrix and Al Gore.

People exhibiting signs of kleptomania do not need an accomplice; they stealthily pick an item and leave the place. The item is stashed away along with other stolen items from different places. They do not behave inappropriately or suffer from conduct disorders. They do not get violent or psychotic. They just steal, compulsively.

CAUSES OF KLEPTOMANIA

There are several theories that suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania. Kleptomania may be linked to problems with naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate moods and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviors.

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THESIS STATEMENT

The disorder Kleptomania remains a mystery to most of us. Its causes, symptoms and treatments are still vague not only to common people but also to those researchers who specifically study a person’s behavior. According to theorists and researchers, Kleptomania is an obsessive impulse to steal what they wanted but not what they needed. It is a female dominant type of disorder. The true cause of kleptomania still remains a mystery but there are some brain chemicals that trigger this impulse disorder. Kleptomaniacs may experience anxiety, impulse control, guilt, and stress. Treatments vary from psychological approaches suggesting psychotherapy with various medications.

INTRODUCTION

Kleptomania comes from the Greek word for “stealing madness” which refers to the irresistible impulse to steal unneeded items. It is a mental disorder in which the infected person has the impulse to steal objects that have little or no known value to them.

Most kleptomaniacs do not steal for personal gain and often have enough money to buy the item they steal. Moreover, they are very aware of the criminal nature of the act.

The researcher’s lead to study this topic related to Kleptomania, because it caught the interest of the researchers due to the mysteries behind this condition. Also, the researchers find this topic quite challenging and interesting since real psychological and scientific causes of the disorder are still not definite. The researchers want to learn new out of the ordinary topics such as the disorder Kleptomania in order to gain more knowledge about the disorder and view the world in a different perspective.

Kleptomania: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment