Kleptomania: making sense of the nonsensical

Article Abstract:

Kleptomania is a disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to steal unneeded items. The purpose of the stealing is neither to make a profit nor to exact vengeance. Few studies have examined the prevalence of this disorder or the characteristics of those suffering from it. It has traditionally been regarded as a rare, but studies examining shoplifters have reported that between 3 to 24 percent of shoplifters have symptoms of kleptomania. A study of bulimics found that 24 percent met the diagnostic criteria for kleptomania. Many people who steal are never caught and do not seek help for their problem. Kleptomania would appear to be more prevalent than generally thought. Most studies have reported that women are more likely to suffer from kleptomania. These findings could either be the result of social biases or they may reflect a greater prevalence of this disorder among women than among men. One suggested explanation is that kleptomania is a more likely condition among women because of developmental differences between the sexes. The average age reported when psychiatric evaluations for kleptomania were performed was 35 years of age for women and 50 years of age for men. The women reported that the average age at which their stealing began was 20 years. Most of the women were married. A number of theories on the underlying cause of kleptomania have been reported. Many of these theories have associated the disorder with anxiety, depression, and sexual disturbances. Few are specific to kleptomania and most could describe many other disorders. There is some evidence that biological factors could be involved, but this area has not been sufficiently researched. No specific guidelines for treating the disorder exist, but a number of treatments have been reported to be successful in isolated cases. A research model is proposed that stresses childhood abuse as an associated factor in the development of kleptomania later in life. Kleptomania is a poorly understood disorder that needs further study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Theft, Psychiatric research, Kleptomania

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The dissolution of the dyad in psychiatry: implications for the understanding of patient-therapist sexual misconduct

Article Abstract:

The dissolution of the traditional patient-therapist dyad in psychiatry is seen as a source of the emergence on cases of therapist sexual misconduct. Doctors have become reluctant to enter into a therapeutic relationship with their patients, instead, they see their patients as 'diseased' people needing cures. Psychiatry is a shared journey between therapist and patient wherein both aim to find a common solution for difficulties. The patient and the therapist in a sense, must grow together. Sexuality is part of the journey since patient and therapist influence each other. Thus, sexuality must be candidly discussed to prevent misconduct among therapists.

Mental health counseling, Psychiatric counseling

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Unanswered questions about the criminalization of therapist-patient sex

Article Abstract:

Philosophical, legal, clinical and empirical questions are presented on the issue of criminalization of mental health professional-patient sexual behavior relations. The questions are interrelated with each other and it is hoped that a thorough and objective study of them and their causes will shed light on the criminalization controversy instead of providing more heat. Also, exploring the questions will hopefully give fairer penalties, if there are any, to both patient and therapist.

Management, Malpractice, Psychotherapists, Therapeutic community, Therapeutic communities

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