What does the word kleptomania mean?
a persistent neurotic impulse to steal
Definition of kleptomania : a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive.
What is the synonym of kleptomaniac?
In this page you can discover 7 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for kleptomaniac, like: compulsive stealer, thief, pilferer, shoplifter, neurotic, robber and criminal.
Is kleptomaniac a word?
If you’ve ever known a kleptomaniac, it won’t surprise you to learn that the word kleptomaniac has origins that trace back to the Greek words for “thief” and “madness.” A kleptomaniac has a mental disorder that compels the person to steal.
What causes kleptomania?
The cause of kleptomania is not known. Several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania. More research is needed to better understand these possible causes, but kleptomania may be linked to: Problems with a naturally occurring brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin.
How do you know if someone is a kleptomaniac?
The symptoms of kleptomania include the following: An irresistible urge to steal items you don’t need or may not even really want. An inability to resist stealing things you could probably afford to buy. Feeling tense, anxious or excited about stealing in the moments before the behavior.
Do Kleptomaniacs know they are stealing?
People with kleptomania feel strong urges to steal, with anxiety, tension, and arousal leading up to the theft and feeling pleasure and relief during the theft. Many kleptomaniacs also feel guilty or remorseful after the act of stealing is over, but are later unable to resist the urge.
What mental illness causes stealing?
Overview. Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need and that usually have little value. Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder that can cause much emotional pain to you and your loved ones if not treated.
What causes a person to become a kleptomaniac?
What is the primary cause of kleptomania?
Psychological trauma, especially trauma at a young age, may also contribute to the development of kleptomania. Family dysfunction can also cause children to steal, which can set the stage for kleptomania tendencies when combined with other mood or addiction disorders.
Are Kleptomaniacs liars?
“As an ICD, kleptomania is repeated engagement in stealing – mostly to release anxiety,” says Dr Chandrasekhar. The terms pseudologia fantastica (or pathological lying aka mythomania) and compulsive lying are often used interchangeably. However, there’s a marked difference between the two.
How can you tell a kleptomaniac?
The symptoms of kleptomania include the following:
- An irresistible urge to steal items you don’t need or may not even really want.
- An inability to resist stealing things you could probably afford to buy.
- Feeling tense, anxious or excited about stealing in the moments before the behavior.