#Kleptomania dsm 5 manual#

It is important that kleptomania be distinguished from ordinary acts of shoplifting, from other disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder, manic, psychotic, or major neurocognitive disorders (The American Psychiatric Association). Diagnosis of Kleptomaniaĭiagnosis of kleptomania is often based on a combination of patient reports, diagnostic scales, and legal records pertaining to instances of the kleptomaniac being caught during thieving. When considering suicidal behavior in individuals diagnosed with kleptomania, the impact of co-morbid diagnoses and overall functional impairment played an almost insignificant role in suicidal ideation, with one study showing 92.3% of suicide attempts in these patients to be directly attributed to kleptomania (Odlaug, Grant, & Kim, 2012). Kleptomania is often co-diagnosed with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar and other depressive disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, compulsive buying disorders, and, of course, other disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders (The American Psychiatric Association). Kleptomania most often manifests itself during adolescence, but may also present in childhood, adulthood, and in rare cases, late adulthood. Kleptomania is a rare disorders, and is only diagnosed in 0.3-0.6% of the population, and there are 3 females for every 1 male diagnosed (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013). There is also a potential relationship between kleptomania and obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance abuse (The American Psychiatric Association). There appears to be a relationship between key neurotransmitter pathways, including systems related to depression (serotonin and dopamine) and behavioral addiction (via the opioid system). Kleptomaniacs often report feeling guilty during and after thieving instances, and are often fearful of consequences (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013).Īccording to the DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association), kleptomania typically follows one of three patterns of stealing, with either brief episodes of stealing with intermittent and long periods of remission, longer periods of stealing with brief periods of remission, or chronic and continuous episodes of stealing with only minor fluctuation in frequency (The American Psychiatric Association). Individuals with kleptomania are typically aware of the morality of their actions, and will readily agree that it is wrong to steal. While kleptomania does cause strong impulses to steal, these thieving events are not triggered or accompanied by hallucinations or feelings of anger or vengeance (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013).ĭespite the strong urges to engage in thievery, those diagnosed with kleptomania are generally able to refrain from illegal activities if there is a significant and immediate likelihood of consequences, such as the presence of security guards, policemen, or cameras. The DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013) states that kleptomania is hallmarked by ever-increasing tension leading up to the theft, and an intense feeling of gratification or relief after. While it is considered normal to have the occasional impulse to steal or to think about the consequences if you were to steal, kleptomania sufferers have these thoughts frequently and are consistently unable to resist the urges (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Often the objects that are stolen are not needed, and often times have no significant monitory value. Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by the inability to resist the impulse to steal. Disorders in this category can also include those with impulse and behavioral control and problems with authority (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013) categorizes disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders as mental illness affecting a persons ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors.

#Kleptomania dsm 5 manual#

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2013) is used by licensed psychologists and psychiatrists to compare a patients' symptoms and diagnose mental health disorders. DSM-5 Category: Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders Introduction