Psychological disorders can occur in many people. Sometimes they themselves do not notice the disturbance of mental and emotional balance. More detailed information about who such a kleptomaniac will allow a person to prevent the appearance of such a condition and the development of the disease in question.
What is kleptomania?
Deviant behavior is the commission of acts that are contrary to laws and norms, but are a common social phenomenon. A typical example is kleptomania as a deviant human behavior . Kleptomania - a mental illness in which there is an uncontrolled craving for theft. It can be accompanied by alcoholism, anxiety and other mental disorders. Sometimes stolen things do not bear value for the kleptomaniac, and the law does not always take into account such a diagnosis and the perpetrator may face imprisonment.
Kleptomaniac - who is this?
Knowing who such a kleptomaniac can be in time to identify the problem and prevent it from escalating into a serious disorder. This term defines a person with a violation of the mental state , in which there is an irresistible desire to steal something. Often, stolen items are thrown out or returned by kleptomaniacs-it is not the thing itself that is important to them, but the feeling of satisfaction from the perfect deed.
What a kleptoman means is a natural question, because it is not always possible to recognize a person with a similar diagnosis. Outwardly, it does not differ from other people, but you can notice changes in its emotional state - anxiety, excessive manifestation of emotions, however, they are sometimes written off for chronic fatigue . Patients with this diagnosis can be children, and mature people, and pensioners. There is no clear definition of the age at which kleptomania is manifested - it can spontaneously fade away or become more acute.
Kleptomania - Causes
After theft in the body of a person suffering from kleptomania, the development of dopamine, responsible for pleasure, occurs, so people with this disease experience a sense of satisfaction at the time of the theft and after it. Kleptomania is a mental illness, which can be caused by the following factors:
- decrease in the amount of serotonin in the body, which causes a state of depression and the development of mental illness;
- head trauma;
- pregnancy;
- the use of psychotropic drugs in unlimited quantities;
- bulimia;
- dementia.
Is kleptomania transmitted by heredity?
Who is a kleptomaniac and is there any chance that the disease under consideration will be inherited by the next generation? Kleptomania is transmitted by heredity or not, there is no precise answer. Most scientists share the view that any mental disorders can pass from generation to generation in full or with some features, so there is a possibility that kleptomania can manifest itself in subsequent generations.
Kleptomania - Species
The disease of kleptomania as a mental disorder can manifest itself in several forms, depending on the cause of its occurrence:
- A person's neurotic desire to have something in any way. It can be not only things, but also a physical condition, for example, a slender figure. Anorexia may be related in part to kleptomania.
- The desire to steal increased sexual arousal. This, so-called, sexual perversions - a violation of the idea of ways of sexual satisfaction.
- The condition of a mature person stuck in childhood, which is called "oral impulses."
How to determine a kleptomaniac?
Some symptoms of kleptomania can be seen with the naked eye. There are factors, drawing attention to which you can suspect a person in kleptomania:
- sense of moral satisfaction and tranquility after theft;
- the presence of a constant conscious craving for theft;
- no sense of guilt , revenge, personal dislike for the victim;
- a certain amount of excitement before the theft;
- no diagnosis of schizophrenia or delirium.
How to treat kleptomania?
Asking the question, how to get rid of kleptomania, you need to visit the psychologist first. His qualified help will help to identify the cause of this diagnosis and will allow a person to get rid of kleptomania. Often, patients themselves are embarrassed to consult a doctor with mental illness. In this there is nothing shameful, it is much worse to be alone with your problem or get into criminal case, so it is important to insist on visiting the doctor if you find the first signs of a mental disorder in your relatives and friends.
As a treatment, the following methods can be used:
- psychotherapy, talking with a doctor, discussing the causes of the illness;
- cognitive-behavioral therapy, when the doctor allows the patient to be exposed on the spot of theft;
- in some cases, the appointment of antidepressants;
- compulsory communication with relatives, transfer of the patient's attention to hobbies, creativity and other kinds of useful and pleasant activities.
Children's kleptomania
A similar diagnosis can be established in childhood. Formation of the behavioral type continues in the baby to six years. At this stage it is important to work out the correct behavior strategy with the child. It happens that this stage is delayed - such children are irritable, overly excited, mobile and hyperactive.
Sometimes signs of kleptomania in children are more easily noticed than in adults. It is important to keep in mind the following possible causes of kleptomania:
- activity, impulsiveness, which can push the child to steal;
- presence of a dysfunctional company;
- inability to control oneself;
- lack of proper attention of parents - this can be a reality or an invention of a child;
- the desire for self-affirmation due to the presence of something or possibility to get it in any way;
- shortage of pocket money;
- availability of financial wealth of parents and lack of need of the child. It is important to give the child to understand that money needs to be earned.
Kleptomania in children - treatment
In this case, also need the help of a psychologist. Kleptomania is manifested as a result of a violation of the child's mental balance, so the treatment should be directed to its recovery and to establish contact with the parents. As additional measures it is possible to allocate:
- conversation with the child without charge and insult;
- absence of provocative actions - it is not necessary to leave money, valuable things in sight;
- the child has his own things and responsibilities;
- extra lessons for the child, so that there is no time to think about such things;
- Do not rule out walking in the fresh air.
Kleptomania - Interesting Facts
There is information that the disease kleptomania affects every second woman and every tenth man. Perhaps this is due to a less stable female psyche. The extraction of kleptomaniacs is also unusual - about 500 cars, medical devices or a steamer with a carrying capacity of 11 thousand tons. The punishment for such acts can range from a warning to a major fine and a criminal penalty.
Celeptomania in celebrities
The diagnosis of kleptomania in known people is common and is no exception. Due to their popularity and tight schedule, they experience stress, are dependent on the number of fans and star fever. This can lead to the development of such a disease. An additional factor is the decline of the career and the absence of new proposals.
Examples of "star" kleptomaniacs:
- Actress Winona Ryder , kleptomania or forgetfulness of which caused unpleasant conversations after she did not pay for purchases in the store for a large sum.
- Neil Cassidy - the famous American writer is among the kleptomaniacs. He carried out the theft of 500 cars, which causes confusion among many people. Disorderly way of life led to the fact that Neil Cassidy began to feel a sense of satisfaction from the theft.
- Henry IV was pleased when he managed to "snatch" an object while visiting. The French king laughed, returning the stolen goods to their owners. He felt a sense of peace at a time when he openly laughed at the eyes of the duped associates.
Winona Ryder
Neil Cassidy
Henry IV
The rhythm of life and frequent stresses cause the body to work for wear and tear. In this case, the basic systems of the body, including the nervous one, are affected. As a consequence - mental disorders, apathy, excitability or the development of kleptomania. Medical care gives a guarantee for the safe treatment of such a disease.