2006-12-31 05:13:24 · 19 answers · asked by fernando 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Kleptomania (Greek: κλέπτειν, kleptein, "to steal", μανία, "mania") is an inability to resist impulses of stealing. A person with this disorder is compelled to steal things, generally things of little or no value, such as pens, paper clips, or small toys. Some may not be aware that they have committed the theft until later. The majority of kleptomaniacs sometimes have preferences to certain items (again, usually subconsciously); for example, batteries or television remotes.
Kleptomania is distinguished from shoplifting or ordinary theft, as shoplifters and thieves generally steal for monetary value, or associated gains and usually display intent or premeditation, while people with kleptomania aren't necessarily contemplating the value of the items they steal or even the theft until they are compulsed.
Although a kleptomaniac may steal uncontrollably without realisation, judicial courts in the United Kingdom and United States generally do not accept kleptomania as an affirmative defense.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomaniac
2006-12-31 05:20:45 · answer #1 · answered by ~Les~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A kleptomaniac is a person who steals something ... anything because they get a rush from getting away with it. They rarely have a use for the stuff they steal, it's just the satisfaction of knowing that they were able to pull the theft off undetected.
You don't want to be too friendly with one ... friendship isn't a good enough reason to not steal stuff from you!
2006-12-31 05:16:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A kleptomaniac is a person, who has a psychological disorder. In this disorder a person has unexplained and strong urges to steal things.
2006-12-31 05:16:06 · answer #3 · answered by Sonaya 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a person that suffers from an anxiety disorder that results in a complusion to steal. the person knows that stealing is wrong and the possible out come from theft but the urge to steal is greater then the logical thinking regarding the theft. further more the person may steal things that are of no need or value to them .
2006-12-31 05:23:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who have a strong urge to steal. A lot of them take things from their friends and family's house that is sort of a SYMBOL or Souvenir of that person. Others steal from stores and it gives them a rush or a high to get away without getting caught. They believe it comes from feeling inadequate and insecure. They use it when they need to get rid of depression too.
2006-12-31 05:18:21 · answer #5 · answered by Dovey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person who has a tendency to steal things.
2006-12-31 05:15:19 · answer #6 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a person who steals compulsively regardless of need of possesions.
2006-12-31 05:16:57 · answer #7 · answered by silhouet57 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person who steals things because they can't help themselves- or so they say, at least.
2006-12-31 05:15:09 · answer #8 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its someone who steals, but cannot stop unless they get some help. They know its wrong but cant help themselves.
2006-12-31 05:17:21 · answer #9 · answered by trace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone who steals and has no control over their actions.
2006-12-31 05:17:08 · answer #10 · answered by Nuthouse 4456 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋