Kleptomania: meaning, definitions and examples
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kleptomania
[ ˌklɛp.təˈmeɪ.ni.ə ]
mental disorder
Kleptomania is a psychological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. Individuals with kleptomania often feel a sense of tension before stealing and a sense of relief or pleasure afterwards. This compulsion is not motivated by economic necessity, and it can lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Treatment may include therapy and medications to manage symptoms.
Synonyms
compulsive theft, pathological stealing.
Examples of usage
- She was diagnosed with kleptomania after stealing items from stores.
- Kleptomania can often accompany other mental health disorders.
- He struggled with kleptomania for years before seeking help.
Translations
Translations of the word "kleptomania" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cleptomania
🇮🇳 चोरी की प्रवृत्ति
🇩🇪 Kleptomanie
🇮🇩 kleptomania
🇺🇦 клептоманія
🇵🇱 kleptomania
🇯🇵 窃盗症 (せっとうしょう)
🇫🇷 kleptomanie
🇪🇸 cleptomanía
🇹🇷 kleptomani
🇰🇷 도벽증 (도벽증)
🇸🇦 كليبتومانيا
🇨🇿 kleptománie
🇸🇰 kleptomania
🇨🇳 盗窃癖 (dàoqièpǐ)
🇸🇮 kleptomanija
🇮🇸 kleptómanía
🇰🇿 клептомания
🇬🇪 კლეპტომანია
🇦🇿 kleptomaniya
🇲🇽 cleptomanía
Etymology
The term 'kleptomania' comes from the Greek roots 'klepto', which means 'to steal', and 'mania', which means 'madness' or 'frenzy'. It was first coined in the 19th century, specifically in the year 1816, by the French physician Jean Étienne Dominique Esquirol, who classified it as a mental disorder. Kleptomania is often misunderstood as simple theft; however, it is recognized as a complex disorder that involves psychological factors. The societal stigma surrounding theft complicates the treatment and understanding of the condition, making it essential for awareness and education in the field of mental health.