KLEPTOMANIA

INTRODUCTION

Ever felt urged to steal a piece of bubblegum from the grocery store
and given in? Then you are likely training to become either a
kleptomaniac or an addictive compulsive thief. Do not despair –
you’re not alone. Not a threat. And there is a way out

Kleptomania is an irresistible impulse control disorder characterized

by a recurrent failure to resist stealing in the absence of any economic
motive.

Kleptomania was first officially recognized in the US as a mental

disorder in the 1960s in the case of the state of California v. Douglas
Jones.

Kleptomania (also spelled cleptomania) (Greek: kleptein, "to steal") is

the condition of not being able to resist the urge to collect or hoard
things. People with this disorder are compelled to steal things,
generally things of little or no significant value, such as pens, paper
clips, tape, and small toys. Some may not even be aware that they
have committed the theft. A kleptomaniac will have an increasing
tension level before committing the theft. They are relieved and calm
after they steal. No one knows the cause of kleptomania. They think it
may have something to do with an addiction to stealing. .Life as a
kleptomaniac is not much different than that of a regular shop lifter.
Their urge to steal is not normally something big like a TV. This
disorder usually manifests itself during puberty and, in some cases,
may never stop and lasts throughout the person's life.
BODY OF THE PRESENTATION

True kleptomania is by standard practitioners of psychology viewed

as a very rare condition. Lay people often confuse it with recurrent
failure to resist obsessive, addictive, or compulsive thoughts or urges
to steal objects which they often will use. Kleptomaniacs will steal
without ever needing the things they steal. They do not feel anger, but
they also don’t premeditate their actions. On the other hand,
compulsive thievery is inspired by anger and there’s also a degree of
premeditation involved, because often the items stolen will come in
handy for the thief.

The ways in which psychologists cure these diseases is by attempting

to find out what is the motivating factor for the person involved and
address it. Honest people steal, they say. Not only through shoplifting
but also through embezzlement and fraud.

“A kleptomaniac is someone who steals a lot but not particularly for

monetary gain", says Terry Shulman who is a self confessed ex-
shoplifter. He says that most people that shoplift in any compulsive
manner are really crying out for help. His own story shows that it is
quite possible for people to overcome the habit, once a person
understands the often complex causes. Where it gets tricky is where
stealing has become an addiction. People who get hooked on
shoplifting need specialized treatment.

However, owing up to the ugly truth and seeking help is already

overcoming the biggest hurdle before someone will be able to stop the
habit. Many shoplifters that contacted Shulman after he published his
book and was interviewed on Oprah told him afterwards that they had
been at the end of their ideas of how to tackle the problem. Shulman
refuses vigorously to believe people that steal are bad, inhumane or
evil. He condemns the crime but not the person committing it and
says that stealing is symptomatic of something else in most of the
cases.

This is also the view of Will Cupchik, a psycho analyst who’s authored
a book outlining a method to treat honest and otherwise normal
people with a compulsive shoplift problem. Claiming that he’s found
the pattern of behavior of ‘Atypical Theft Offenders’, Cupchik
provides interesting insights into the minds of shoplifters. He offers
treatment courses with certified diplomas for people who’ve kicked
the habit for good.

Both Cupchik and Shulman cite cases of high profile offenders that
have lost their jobs for getting caught shoplifting and go on to analyze
the events that are elemental to the habits. It appears that the factors
that motivate people to steal items are largely similar in nature.

“[My story is not] intended to make excuses for stealing or

shoplifting. I’m not suggesting shoplifting addicts go unpunished. Any
illegal act, be it illegal gambling, drug offenses, or drunk driving,
must have legal consequences”, he says. After his book was published
a string of self help groups throughout the country was set up by
people facing this problem. The first such a group was his home state
Detroit, where he in 1992 set up Cleptomaniacs And Shoplifters
Anonymous (CASA) because he wanted to provide a safe, confidential
and non-judgmental space for compassion, understanding and
recovery from "addictive-compulsive" dishonest behavior, primarily
shoplifting, fraud, kleptomania and embezzlement.

“Our stories illustrate how good but vulnerable people try to cope
with life at pivotal times and how punishment is not enough to stop
shoplifters. [They] go more in depth than previous stories in the scant
literature available on shoplifting or kleptomania. I hope this will
provide clarity and hope for those who have little of either,” Shulman
says.
His website shopliftersanonymous.com cites figures that show just
how endemic the situation is and what bearings it has on the
economy. Shopping proletariat style does actually run into quite hefty
sums in terms of value. Some 69% of them steal in department stores;
63% steals in supermarkets; 57% specialty shops; 54% convenience
stores; 47% drug stores and 27% all other type stores. . Of all reported
shoplifting, less than 5% are actually committed by kleptomaniacs

And, interestingly, shoplifting is about the only area of crime that

women get involved in on a par with men; the split is 50%-50%. It
seems that this also is something people don’t easily give up on,
because the large majority of culprits – 75% - are of adult age.

Many people that steal in some way or other will have less difficulty
moving to different crimes.

Twenty percent of the employees cited in that study said they were
aware of fraud at their companies and the most common form was
expense account fraud. Of the 20 percent of the people in the know, 37
percent even knew about theft of office items. What’s perhaps even
worse; 16 percent knew employees who claimed extra hours worked
and 7 percent said they knew people who inflated their expense
accounts!

People with this disorder are likely to have a co morbid condition,

specifically paranoid, schizoid or borderline personality disorder.[1]
Kleptomania can occur after traumatic brain injury and carbon
monoxide poisoning

Kleptomania is frequently thought of as being a part of obsessive-

compulsive disorder, since the irresistible and uncontrollable actions
are similar to the frequently excessive, unnecessary and unwanted
rituals of OCD although emerging evidence suggests that it may be
more similar to addictive and mood disorders.. Some individuals with
kleptomania demonstrate hoarding symptoms that resemble those
with OCD. Prevalence rates between the two disorders do not
demonstrate a strong relationship. Studies examining the co
morbidity of OCD in subjects with kleptomania have inconsistent
results, with some showing a relatively high co-occurrence (45%-60%)
while others demonstrate low rates (0%-6.5%). Similarly, when rates
of kleptomania have been examined in subjects with OCD, a relatively
low co-occurrence was found (2.2%-5.9%).

Kleptomania is a complex disorder characterized by repeated, failed

attempts to stop stealing. It is often seen in patients who are
chemically dependent or who have a coexisting mood, anxiety, or
eating disorder. Other coexisting mental disorders may include major
depression, panic attacks, social phobia, anorexia nervosa, bulimia
nervosa, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. People
with this disorder have an overwhelming urge to steal and get a thrill
from doing so. The recurrent act of stealing may be restricted to
specific objects and settings, but the affected person may or may not
describe these special preferences. People with this disorder usually
exhibit guilt after the theft.

Detection of kleptomania, even by significant others, is difficult and

the disorder often proceeds undetected. There may be preferred
objects and environments where theft occurs. One theory proposes
that the thrill of stealing helps to alleviate symptoms in persons who
are clinically depressed.
CAUSES

The cause of kleptomania is unknown, although it may have a genetic

component and may be transmitted among first-degree relatives.
There also seems to be a strong propensity for kleptomania to coexist
with obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and clinical
depression.

SYMPTOMS

The handbook used by mental health professionals to diagnose

mental disorders is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the
DSM contains diagnostic criteria and research findings for mental
disorders. It is the primary reference for mental health professionals
in the United States. The 2000 edition of this manual (fourth edition,
text revision), known as the DSM-IV-TR, lists five diagnostic criteria
for kleptomania:

• Repeated theft of objects that are unnecessary for either

personal use or monetary value.
• Increasing tension immediately before the theft.
• Pleasure or relief upon committing the theft.
• The theft is not motivated by anger or vengeance, and is not
caused by a delusion or hallucination.
• The behavior is not better accounted for by a conduct disorder,
manic episode, or antisocial personality disorder.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Studies suggest that 0.6% of the general population may have this
disorder and that it is more common in females. In patients who have
histories of obsessive-compulsive disorder, some studies suggest a 7%
correlation with kleptomania. Other studies have reported a
particularly high (65%) correlation of kleptomania in patients with
bulimia.
DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing kleptomania is usually difficult since patients do not seek

medical help for this complaint, and initial psychological assessments
may not detect it. The disorder is often diagnosed when patients seek
help for another reason, such as depression, bulimia, or for feeling
emotionally unstable (labile) or unhappy in general (dysphoric).
Initial psychological evaluations may detect a history of poor
parenting, relationship conflicts, or acute stressors—abrupt
occurrences that cause stress, such as moving from one home to
another. The recurrent act of stealing may be restricted to specific
objects and settings, but the patient may or may not describe these
special preferences.

TREATMENTS

Kleptomania has several different treatments .Once the disorder is

suspected and verified by an extensive psychological interview,
therapy is normally directed towards impulse control, as well as any
accompanying mental disorder(s). There are a few treatments for
kleptomania. Many go through cognitive-behavioral therapy or take
mood pills. Relapse prevention strategies, with a clear understanding
of specific triggers, should be stressed. Treatment may include
psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy is
recommended as an adjuvant to medication. And rational emotive
therapy. Recent studies have indicated that fluoxetine (Prozac) and
naltrexone may also be helpful.

Some medications that are used for people diagnosed with

kleptomania are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood
stabilizers and opioid antagonists. The only open-trial of medication
for kleptomania showed naltrexone significantly reduced the
intensity of urges to steal, stealing thoughts and stealing behavior. A
similar three year follow-up of patients treated only with naltrexone
showed a clinically significant reduction in kleptomanic behavior.
Doctors in the US have been treating diagnosed kleptomaniacs with
mood-altering drugs such as Prozac and Seroxat, on the presumption
that outbursts could be triggered by changes in the levels of serotonin
in the brain, much like depression. Psychological counseling, to get at
the underlying causes of unhappiness, is more likely to affect a long-
term cure. Discussing the disorders with others with the same
condition was also noted to help.
PROGNOSIS

Not much solid information is known about this disorder. Since it is

not usually the presenting problem or chief complaint, it is frequently
not even diagnosed. There are some case reports that document
treatment success with antidepressant medications, although as with
almost all psychological disorders, the outcomes vary.

PREVENTION

There is little evidence concerning prevention. A healthy upbringing,

positive intimate relationships, and management of acutely stressful
situations may lower the incidence of kleptomania and coexisting
disorders.
TRUE CRIME ARTICLES, REVIEWS AND BRIEFS
Kleptomaniacs don't steal all the time and they don't steal everything.
They go years between episodes. Kleptomaniacs steal on impulse.
They feel tension before the theft, and pleasure or relief at the theft. 3
arrests of star-studded shoplifters: Lindsay Lohan, Megan Fox and
Winona Ryder.

Shoplifting," he explains, "is nothing more than an irrational

expression of whatever the shoplifter's psychiatric problems arc. It's
an expression of poor coping mechanisms, such as poor stress
management, poor anger management. Shoplifting means something
negative is going on inside."
It’s always a misunderstanding, Cupchik says. Shoplifters, famous or
not, "don't know why they do it-they're confused by why they do it,
they're embarrassed that they do it until they get help

Lindsay Lohan is set to be questioned by police after more than

$40,000 in jewelry disappeared after a photo shoot.

Holy Moly! is reporting that the jeweler who supplied the bling has
tried tracking down the jewelry, but with no luck. The magazine has
no knowledge as to where they went either. All fingers point to Lohan-
and her sticky fingers. However, neither she nor her rep has returned
calls to the jeweler. So they have contacted police who they hope will
get to the bottom of this.

Of course Lindsay was gushing over the baubbles during the photo
shoot, and she is TOTALLY known for nabbing swag. She totally has
it, I’m sure.

Remember that fur coat she took from a nightclub coat room? The
owner later saw photos of Lindsay wearing it and took legal action to
get it back. Louis Vuitton refuses to work with her after she snagged
a bunch of clothes from them, and, according to Steve-O, even steals
cocaine!

Megan Fox was banned from shopping at Walmart in her hometown

after the actress was caught shoplifting as a teenager.
Fox, 21, was caught red handed stealing makeup from a Florida Wal-
Mart before her rise to stardom and the incident caused to her to be
banned from the retail chain.

A friend of Megan’s said, “Megan was quite a rebel growing up. She
thought she could get away with anything, and definitely had sticky
fingers. She would pocket things like candy and gum from
convenience stores, but Megan’s shoplifting days were quickly put to
an end when she got busted for heisting a $7 tube of lip-gloss from
Wal-Mart.”

Johnny Depp's ex-flame, Winona Ryder, is perhaps the most well-

known celebrity shoplifter of them all. Ryder was convicted of
shoplifting after trying to make it out with over $5,000 worth of
products from a hoity-toity Beverly Hills department store back in
2001. Ryder was ultimately convicted of vandalism and grand theft
and had to pay $3,700 in fines as well as $6,355 in restitution to Saks
Fifth Avenue. In addition, she was ordered to 480 hours of
community service and placed on probation for 3 years.

“At first, Megan denied it. Even after they told her they caught her on
surveillance video, Megan still tried talking her way out of it. But
when they threatened to call the police, Megan broke down in tears
and confessed.”

Fox’s publicist refused to confirm or deny the reports

VIEWS
Kleptomania is a rare disorder that prevents those afflicted from
resisting the urge to steal. People with the disorder are often called
kleptos. Kleptos do not generally steal things of value. No cars, or
jewelry, just small things like pens, paperclips, and small toys. Typical
of psychological disorders, kleptos will find a pattern in their
thieveries, and develop a preference for a certain item. Also typical of
psychological disorders, those afflicted will often not realize they have
committed the crime, until they empty their pockets, that is. The court
system denounces kleptomania and tries most cases like shoplifting,
despite the fact that regular thievery is for profit while kleptos
generally steal things like spoons or pairs of panties, not exactly
something you’d sell on eBay. Another difference is that most thieves
premeditate their endeavors, while Kleptos act on impulse or
subconsciously. Another thing that makes this a unique disorder is its
co morbidity, which means it is likely to be coupled with other
disorders, and oftentimes substance abuse. Causes of the disorder
arise some speculation, with things like carbon monoxide exposure
being blamed. Brain trauma also gets blame put upon it by kleptos. It
is also assumed that the brain chemical serotonin is involved.
With that little bit of background knowledge, I will tell you how to
diagnose kleptomania, describe some treatment, and tell you of its
relations with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as used by a majority of
professionals, now in its 4th edition, has a five point criterium for
diagnosing kleptomania. They must be careful, because diagnosing a
common thief with kleptomania is like handing him a get out of jail
free card in some situations. Kleptos have definite urges to steal items
with little monetary value that they have no psychological control
over. A sense of tension before the grab is also experienced. After a
thievery, feelings of pleasure, gratification or even pride are felt. The
steal is not for anger or revenge, and is not brought on by a delusion
or hallucination. Finally, the act cannot be better explained by
another problem, specifically conduct disorder, manic episodes, or
antisocial personality disorder. If a person meets this strict guideline,
they may be treated in a variety of ways. For one, no matter what
medication is provided, cognitive behavior therapy is often used in
concordance. Basically the kleptos will keep a journal, be put through
tests and activities, examined psychologically, and otherwise
brainwashed out of their disorder. Meds include those used to combat
addictive behaviors, and are found to be pretty effective. Opiod
antagonists are what is used primarily. Meds to increase the
seratonin levels also effect kleptomania in a positive way, meaning
that antidepressants will cure thievery problems. Who knew? As I was
saying earlier, kleptomania is slightly related to the ritualistic
disorder called O.C.D. They both consist of involuntary actions that
the victim does not necessarily welcome. There are also hoarding
behaviors exercised by both population groups. Co morbidity rates do
not supporter disprove this theory although the numbers do not point
in support for those that think the conditions are related.

CONCLUSION
Kleptomania is as much a mystery as Atlantis, but with the knowledge
we have we have been able to quell the urges but there is sadly no
cure. As they say knowledge is power, so as we learn more about the
condition itself, the closer we will get to ending it. As of right now,
there is only so much we can do with psychotherapy. Kleptomania is
commonly under-diagnosed and is often accompanied by other
psychiatric conditions, most notably affective, anxiety and eating
disorders, and alcohol and substance abuse. Individuals with the
disorder are usually referred for treatment due to the co morbid
psychiatric complaints rather than kleptomaniac behaviour.
Kleptomania presented a specific psychopathological profile that
distinguished patients with this disorder from patients with alcohol
abuse or dependence and other psychiatric comparison patients.
Impulsivity was the major psychopathological feature of kleptomania.
A link between kleptomania and affective disorder was supported by
the high rate of co morbid affective disorders in patients with
kleptomania and a specific pattern of variation in the two conditions
over time. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this
pattern. Because kleptomania is characterized by a low rate of co
morbid substance-related disorders other than nicotine dependence
and by severe psychopathology, it could be an appropriate disorder in
which to study the information processes and psychobiology
underlying impulsivity.