 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 occurring brain chemical  Serotonin  Helps regulate moods and emotions.

 Head injury  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:  Antidepressants  Mood stabilizers  Anti-seizure medications  Addiction medications  Psychotherapy  Cognitive behavioral therapy  Identifies unhealthy, negative behavior  Psychodynamic therapy  Family therapy  Marriage counseling

 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