Kleptomania: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Kleptomania is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to steal, usually without economic motivation. It is a type of impulsive behavior disorder, and is one of the few psychogenic disorders that is classified as a type of impulse control disorder. Kleptomania is thought to be a rare disorder, but its prevalence and true incidence is difficult to estimate due to the secretive nature of this disorder.
Definition
Kleptomania is defined as an impulse control disorder, characterized by an overwhelming urge to steal, usually without any economic motivation. It is classified as a type of impulse control disorder, meaning that it includes the repeated failure to resist the urge to steal. Although it is primarily a psychological disorder, it may also have a physical component, as people with kleptomania often report feeling a physical impulse to steal, rather than a mental one.
History
Kleptomania has a long history, and was first described in the 19th century by doctors such as Jean-Etienne Esquirol and Joseph Guislain. Its clinical diagnostic criteria, however, have only been established in the 20th century, with the first modern description of the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980.
Characteristics
People with kleptomania typically report feelings of tension before stealing, and relief or satisfaction after the act. The items stolen are usually of little value, and the person often does not have any use for the items that they have taken. People with kleptomania may also experience guilt or shame following an episode, and may go to great lengths to avoid detection, such as returning the stolen items or hiding them.
Treatment
Kleptomania is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be particularly effective in treating this disorder, as it helps the person to identify and modify thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their compulsion to steal.
Conclusion
Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to steal, usually without any economic motivation. It is a rare disorder, and is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medications.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Carmi, L., & Hollander, E. (2015). Kleptomania: Current Perspectives. CNS Spectrums, 20(3), 287-295.
Fassino, S., Leombruni, P., Abbate-Daga, G., Mortara, P., & Ravaldi, C. (2013). Kleptomania: A review of the literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 15(3), 318.
Grant, J. E., & Potenza, M. N. (2006). Impulse control disorders. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(4), 833-857.
Gratz, K. L., & Tull, M. T. (2010). The psychological assessment of impulsivity: Integrating phenomenology, measurement, and clinical application. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(5), 563-582.