Kleptomania Our text describes a number of disorders with an irresistible impulse-usually one that will ultimately be harmful to the person affected. However, DSM-IV-TR includes fives additional impulse-control disorders (Called impulse -control disorders not elsewhere classified) that are not included under other categories… intermittent explosive disorder, pyromania, pathological gambling, , and kleptomania. Kleptomania (impulsive stealing) Origin Kleptomania is a strong desire to steal. Often a kleptomaniac person steals things he could have bought easily or things that are not at all expensive. The person steals just for the tension or the kick.
Kleptomania can be the result of emotional shortcomings during the youth. The DSM IV says about Kleptomania: DSM-IV 312. 32 Kleptomania Diagnostic Features The DSM-IV states that the essential feature of Kleptomania is the recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal items even though the items are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value 1. (Criterion A).
The individual experiences a rising subjective sense of tension before the theft 2.
(Criterion b) and feels pleasure, gratification, or relief when committing the theft 3. (Criterion C).
The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance, is not done in response to a delusion or hallucination 4. (Criterion D), and is not better accounted for by Conduct Disorder, a Manic Episode, or Antisocial Personality Disorder 5.
(Criterion E).
The objects are stolen despite the fact that they are typically of little value to the individual, who could have afforded to pay for them and often gives them away or discards them. Occasionally the individual may hoard the stolen objects or surreptitiously return them. Although individuals with this disorder will generally avoid stealing when immediate arrest is probable (e. g. , in full view of a police officer), they usually do not preplan the thefts or fully take into account the chances of apprehension.
The Essay on Narcissistic Personality Disorder npd Criteria
ter> Sam Vaknin's Psychology, Philosophy, Economics and Foreign Affairs Web Sites Please read CAREFULLY! The text in italics is NOT based on the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual, Fourth Edition (1994). the text in italics IS based on "Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited" (1999) An all-pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour), need for admiration or adulation and lack ...
The stealing is done without assistance from, or collaboration with, others. SymptomsKleptomanics have an irresistible inclination to steal. Often they throw away the stolen goods. They are mostly interested in the kick of the stealing itself.
Although psychiatrists consider kleptomania as a disease, this is not a legal excuse in front of an American or British court. DSM-IV 312. 32 Kleptomania Associated Features and Disorders Individuals with Kleptomania experience the impulse to steal as ego-dystonia and are aware that the act is wrong and senseless. To be diagnosed, a person must have the typical pattern: recurrent tension leading to the behavior, leading to relief or pleasure after performing the behavior.
The stealing is not accounted for by an external motive like hunger or financial deprivation or vengeance, or accounted for better by another disorder of which stealing is a part (for example, Antisocial Personality Disorder or a manic episode).
Mood Disorders (especially Major Depressive Disorder), Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorders (Particularly Bulimia Nervosa), and Personality Disorders may be associated with Kleptomania, The disorder may cause legal, family, career, and personal difficulties as evident by one Ms. Winona Ryder. Prevalence Kleptomania is a rare condition that appears to occur in fewer than 5% of identified shoplifters. It appears to be much more common in females. Treatment Only case study reports of treatment exist, and these involve either behavioral intervention or the use of antidepressant medication.
It is thought important to find another occupation to replace the stealing activity. It is also very important to make the patient realize that others are harmed by the stealing activities. Treatment is largely untested, and the disorder often persists despite many convictions of shoplifting. It may decrease as the individual ages, however. Course There is little systematic information on the course of Kleptomania, but three typical courses have been described: sporadic with brief episodes and long periods of remission; episodic with protracted periods of stealing and periods of remission; and chronic with some degree of fluctuation.
The Term Paper on Oppositional Defiant Disorder 2
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is well known as a psychiatric dysfunction that results to intentionally create difficulty towards others, and aggressiveness of an individual from his early years. Disorders may vary depending on its origin and. According to Cosmides & Tooby (1999), if it is only physical, the probability of its effect will only direct the individual with such disease or ...
The disorder may continue for years, despite multiple convictions for shoplifting. Differential Diagnosis Kleptomania should be distinguished from ordinary acts of theft or shoplifting. Ordinary theft (whether planned or impulsive) is deliberate and is motivated by the usefulness of the object or its monetary worth. Some individuals, especially adolescents, may also steal on a dare, as an act of rebellion, or as a rite of passage. The diagnosis is not made unless other characteristic features of Kleptomania are also present. Kleptomania is exceedingly rare, whereas shoplifting is relatively common.
In malingering, individuals may simulate the symptoms of Kleptomania to avoid criminal prosecution. Antisocial Personality Disorder and Conduct Disorder are distinguished from Kleptomania by a general pattern of antisocial behavior. Kleptomania should be distinguished from intentional or inadvertent stealing that may occur during a Manic Episode, in response to delusions or hallucinations (e. g. , in Schizophrenia), or as a result of dementia. Comparison Between Kleptomania and Addictive-Compulsive Stealing KLEPTOMANIA ADDICTIVE-COMPULSIVE THEFT.
Recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects not needed for personal use or their monetary value (no premeditation).
Recurrent failure to resist obsessive, addictive, or compulsive thoughts / urges to steal objects which often are used even if not needed (degrees of premeditation)… Increasing sense of tension immediately before committing the theft… Already ever-present tension usually well before commission of the theft… Pleasure or relief at the time of committing the theft (often not fully aware of committing the theft and usually no guilt after).
Pleasure / relief at time of or just after committing theft (more conscious of act than kleptomaniac and usually feels guilt or shame after).
The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance… The stealing is very often an acting out of anger or a way of trying to ‘make life right’. The stealing is not due to Conduct Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder… Same. Most people who steal are good / caring /law-abiding (some get cross-addicted or get addicted to dollars or thrills) Differing Types of Shoplifters Seven (7) distinct groups, each with certain identifiable characteristics and expected responses if they are caught.
The Essay on Shoplifting: Theft and People
Today shoplifting is one of the most common forms of theft in the United States. Shoplifting is now the number one cause for smaller stores to fail in today’s market. The small stores are also the ones the usually carry the smaller items which are the easiest to receive the “five fingered discount” on. The reason shoplifting has become so big is because the thieves some how ...
The percentage that follows is Shulman’s estimate as to the percentage of the total shoplifting population that the particular group comprises. ADDICTIVE-COMPULSIVE SHOPLIFTERS: 75%This group emotionally has a lot of repressed anger and often exhibits signs of other compulsive addictions, such as overeating, shopping, drug use, or gambling. These people often give to others and don’t take care of themselves. Typically, they will steal items that are often inexpensive, and then give them to others as gifts.
If caught, they will show guilt, shame, or remorse. Often, they will breakdown and cry when caught and confronted. PROFESSIONALS, THOSE WHO STEAL FOR PROFIT OR LIFESTYLE: 5%Professionals will try to steal high-end, expensive items, often stealing multiple items at one time. Many carry tools and utensils on them to assist with the theft.
Most likely, this group will resist arrest if confronted and will attempt to flee the store. If caught and detained, they will remain cool and calm, showing no remorse or emotion. THE IMPOVERISHED, THOSE WHO STEAL OUT OF ECONOMIC NEED: 5%Typically, they will steal necessities, like food, diapers, toiletries, or children’s clothing. Often, their manner of dress and hygiene may be poor.
If caught, they will usually show remorse, but state their frustration with their lack of money, and may voice hostility against a ‘System’ that keeps them impoverished. THE THRILL SEEKERS, THOSE WHO STEAL ON A DARE OR FOR EXCITEMENT: 5%These shoplifters will often steal in groups. Many teenagers fall into this category. DRUG ADDICTS, THOSE WHO STEAL TO PAY FOR A DRUG HABIT: 5%Like Professionals, they prefer stealing expensive, high end items, usually multiple items at a time.
Their appearance often shows signs of substance abuse. They often carry drugs or drug paraphernalia on themselves. They are usually less careful than the Professional, but will likely arrest and flee the store if confronted. KLEPTOMANIACS ARE THOSE WHO STEAL FOR NO REASON: 1%Kleptomaniacs are impulsive and often careless.
The Review on Drug Abuse within University Students in Ottawa
The term drug abuse refers to any use of any drug for something else a part from its planned medical or psychiatric purpose. The use of such drugs may involve using prescription drugs for wrong purposes or using illicit drugs. For instance, research has shown that in Ottawa many university students take drugs not for the intended medical use but mainly to get high. Most students from Ottawa who ...
They will often take items they don’t need and can’t use, like stealing shoes that don’t fit. If caught, many will admit they are kleptomaniacs and do not feel much remorse or shame. They will often use common excuses, like ‘I don’t remember taking it’, or ‘I don’t know why I took it because I don’t even need it’. THE ABSENT MINDED: 1%People in a hurry, elderly people, people on medications or those who would have cognitive or memory issues Some facts about shoplifters… (source – National Association of Shoplifting Prevention).
There are an estimated 25 million shoplifters in our nation today (approximately 1 in 11 Americans).
Retailers lose $25 million a day to shoplifting… There is no profile of a typical shoplifter. A shoplifter can be anyone… Contrary to popular belief, men and women shoplift equally as often… About 25% of shoplifters apprehended are juveniles, 75% adults… Shoplifters say they are caught an average of only once every 49 times.
They are turned over to the police 50% of the time… A small percentage of shoplifters are ‘professionals’ who steal solely for resale or profit as a business. These include drug addicts who steal to feed their habit, hardened professionals who steal as a lifestyle, and international shoplifting gangs who steal for profit as a business… The vast majority of shoplifters are non-professionals who steal, not out of financial need or greed, but as a response to social and personal pressures in their life… The excitement generated from ‘getting away with it’ produces a chemical reaction resulting in what shoplifters describe as an incredible ‘high’ feeling. Many shoplifters will tell you that this high is their ‘true reward’, rather than the merchandise itself…
Drug addicts who have become addicted to shoplifting describe shoplifting as equally addicting as drugs… 1 in 5 adults say they started shoplifting in their teens… 57% of adults and 33% of juveniles say it is hard for them to stop shoplifting, even after getting caught… Most non-professional shoplifters don’t commit other types of crimes. They ” ll never steal an ashtray from your house and will return to you a $20 bill you may have dropped. Their criminal activity is restricted to shoplifting and therefore, any rehabilitation program should be offense-specific for this crime…
The Term Paper on Why Shoplifting Is Wrong
Shoplifting is an unfair way to try to cheat the system. It involves taking advantage of other hardworking people in many different ways; the stores have to buy equipment to try to prevent shoplifting, while other consumers must pay for items for the system to work. I shoplifted because I thought that I could be the exception, if everyone followed the rules but me, nothing would be wrong. However, ...
U. S. Retailers lose $25 Million a day, or $10 Billion a year, to shoplifting. The Retail Industry in the U. S. loses $53.
6 Billion a year due to internal loss (employee theft).
