KLEPTOMANIA IS A SYNDROME THAT INCREASES THE URGE TO STEAL UNNEEDED THINGS THAT USUALLY HAVE LITTLE VALUE. Facts Studies suggest that 0. 6% of the general population may have this disorder?? ? Diagnosing kleptomania is usually difficult since patients do not seek medical help for this complaint, and initial psychological assessments may not detect it. Citations: http://www. newsmax. com/FastFeatures/Kleptomania? symp toms? signs? disorder/2010/10/12/id/373452/? ? Gulli,? Laith? Farid.? “? Kleptomania.? “?? Gale? Encyclopedia? of?
Mental? Disorders?.? 2003.?? Encyclopedia. com. ? ?10? Mar.? 2015<? http://www.encyclopedia. com? >.? ? http://www. mayoclinic. org/diseases? conditions/kleptomani a/basics/definition/con? 20033010? Kleptomania Nick Grott and Sean KIm Health Block 2a What You Need To Know Symptoms: AN INTENSE URGE TO STEAL:? ?This is the most prominent symptom, where a carrier gets very anxious and restless before getting a strong urge to steal, in order to calm themselves. EMOTIONS AFTER STEALING:? ?After a kleptomaniac steals something, they will feel a strong emotion, such as relief or anxiety. A LACK OF SELF-CONTROL:?
?People with kleptomania have low amount of self-control and don’t steal for personal gain, but instead because they find it impossible to control their need to steal. Ages: Though no age is directly related to kleptomania, the age group 35-54 is shown to steal the most. Causes: The actual cause of kleptomania is not known but scientists have several theories of what MIGHT TRIGGER THIS STRANGE URGE. PROBLEMS WITH NATURALLY OCCURRING BRAIN CHEMICALS: ? A neurotransmitter, called serotonin, controls and regulates mood and emotions. Low levels of this are common in people who act on impulse more. ADDICTIVE DISORDER: ?
Kleptomaniacs may receive a release of dopamine when they steal, which makes the brain feel pleasured, causing your body wanting to do it again and again in order to get the same release of dopamine. BRAIN’S OPIOID SYSTEM: ? The brain’s urges are regulated by the opioid system, so an imbalance in the system could make it difficult for people to resist urges to steal. Treatments: No specific treatments have been found for kleptomania, but treating other symptoms of kleptomania seems to treat patients the best. ANXIETY: ? The most common type of treatment is that of anxiety. Some of the medications used are drugs that are meant to combat anxiety attacks.
However, others are treated with cognitive or behavioral therapy. OTHERS: ? Benzodiazepines, antidepressants used for depression treatment, anti seizure medication, and addiction medication are also used to treat kleptomania. Therapeutic treatment of kleptomania involves systematic desensitization, aversion therapy, and covert sensitization. Places to get Treatment: Though there are no clinics or hospitals that have specific care for kleptomania, psychiatrists that specialize in treating anxiety and depression may be able to help. Behavior specialists are also available around the city and in some hospitals.