Kleptomania Keenan Ricker

Kleptomania http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUuNv3W_bKU Classified as an impulse control disorder in the DSM IV Kleptomania is the irresistible urge to steal items that you generally have little value to you. Kleptomania

Unkown May be linked to problems with the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate moods and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviors. Causes

Symtoms Powerful urges to steal items that are not needed Feelings of increased tension leading up to the theft Pleasure or Gratification during the act of stealing Symtoms

Spontaneous occurrences Episodes of Kleptomania generally occur spontaneously without planning. Most Kleptomaniacs steal from public places such as stores and supermarkets. Few often steal from friends or acquaintances. Stolen items usually stashed away never to be used or secretly returned to the place from where they were stolen. Spontaneous occurrences

Coping and Support Stick to treatment plan Educate yourself Discover what drives you Find healthy outlets Learn relation and stress management Coping and Support

Noticing you can not resist the urge to shoplift or steal. Many people with kleptomania do not seek treatment because they are afraid they’ll be arrested Keep in mind kleptomania is a mental health condition not a character flaw. When to get help?

Risk Factors Family history Having a relative with kleptomania may increase your risk. Common in Women Approximately 2/3 of kleptomaniacs are Women. Having another mental illness Large amount of patients with kleptomania have other illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder. Risk Factors

Case study 1 Winona Ryder Battles anxiety and depression Caught stealing $5000 worth of merchandise She put holes in the dresses she was stealing, had no intention on ever wearing items or reselling them Since 2002 has been caught shoplifting on the other occasions Was placed on probation for 3 years. Is now a spokesperson for Kleptomania awareness. Case study 1

Case study 2 Terrence Shulman Recovering kleptomaniac Stole more 1000 times Has since recovered and published a book on the awareness of theft addiction Has become a therapist specializing in the treatment of theft compulsion Founded the The Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft, Spending & Hoarding http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBynYcy4KPY Case study 2

Citations Mayo Clinic Staff. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kleptomania/DS01034 Freudirich.Craig. http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mental-disorders/kleptomania.htm Kau-Ni. http://www.minddisorders.com/Kau-Nu/Kleptomania.html Shulman Center http://www.kleptomaniacsanonymous.com/kleptomania.htm Citations