Introduction

Kleptomania is a syndrome that increases the urge to steal unneeded things that usually have little value.

Facts

Studies suggest that 0.6% of the general population may have this disorder

Kleptomania
Nick Grott and Sean KIm
Health Block 2a

Diagnosing kleptomania is usually difficult since patients do not seek medical help for this complaint, and initial psychological assessments may not detect it.
Citations:

http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/Kleptomania­symp toms­signs­disorder/2010/10/12/id/373452/ Gulli, Laith Farid. "
Kleptomania.
"
Gale Encyclopedia of
Mental Disorders
. 2003.
Encyclopedia.com.
10 Mar.
2015<
http://www.encyclopedia.com
>.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases­conditions/kleptomani a/basics/definition/con­20033010 What You Need To Know

Symptoms:

Causes:

AN INTENSE URGE TO STEAL:
This is

The actual cause of kleptomania is not known but scientists have several theories of what might trigger this strange urge.

the most prominent symptom, where a carrier gets very anxious and restless before getting a strong urge to steal, in order to calm themselves.

EMOTIONS AFTER STEALING:
After a kleptomaniac steals something, they will feel a strong emotion, such as relief or anxiety.

A LACK OF SELF-CONTROL:
People
with kleptomania have low amount of self-control and don’t steal for personal gain, but instead because they find it impossible to control their need to steal.
Ages:

Though no age is directly related to kleptomania, the age group 35-54 is shown to steal the most.

PROBLEMS WITH NATURALLY OCCURRING
BRAIN CHEMICALS:
A neurotransmitter, called serotonin, controls and regulates mood and emotions. Low levels of this are common in people who act on impulse more.

ADDICTIVE DISORDER:
Kleptomaniacs may receive a release of dopamine when they steal, which makes the brain feel pleasured, causing your body wanting to do it again and again in order to get the same release of dopamine. BRAIN’S