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Kleptomania: Encyclopedia BETA


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Kleptomania

Kleptomania (Greek: κλέπτειν, kleptein, "to steal", μανία, "mania") is an inability to resist impulses of stealing. A person with this disorder is compelled to steal things, generally things of little or no value, such as pens, paper clips, or miniature ('dinky' cars). They are often unaware of performing the theft until some time later.

Kleptomania is distinguished from shoplifting or ordinary theft, as shoplifters and thieves generally steal for monetary value, or associated gains and usually display intent or premeditation, while people with kleptomania aren't necessarily contemplating the value of the items they steal or even the theft until they are compulsed.

Although a kleptomaniac may steal uncontrollably without realization, judicial courts in the United Kingdom and United States generally do not accept kleptomania as an affirmative defense.

Treatments

Kleptomania has several different treatments. Behavior modification therapy and family therapy may be used to treat kleptomaniacs.

Some medications that are used for people diagnosed with kleptomania are fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, lithium, trazodone and Valproate.

See also

* Psychology

External links

* Mental Health Matters: Kleptomania



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