Kleptomania

Kleptomania is featured by a failure to resist urges to steal items that are not own, may not have any potential or monetary value either. But we should not mix up kleptomania with shoplifting, as both are not just same. The shoplifting is characterized by the conscious action of the performer intended to gain other’s valuable objects, whereas, Kleptomania develops as an unconscious obsessive part of mind which makes the victim to get into this type of act without giving any scope of considering the consequences altogether. Studies suggest it may derive as a result of depression or mood-disorder.

Though scientists are not too sure about the development of this disorder, but it is found that there is an indirect influence of serotonin, a brain chemical. Moreover, stressors like major loss or acute bereavement may also derive kleptomaniac behavior.

To treat this disorder individual counseling as well as therapeutic approaches combining drug therapy are in progress. But for this type of disorder as family plays a significant role so family therapy and controlled family intervention is indeed considered important. Antidepressants like Prozac which help in boosting the levels of serotonin may be useful in some cases.

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Originally published in Blurtit.com on 24th September, 2006 19:51

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