Shoplifting could be a sickness
Apr 12, 2005
DID you know that stealing could be a disorder? While many thieves, pickpockets and shoplifters steal for personal gain, others do it because they are suffering from a compulsive mental disorder that forces them to pick something when others are not looking.
By Elvina Nawaguna
DID you know that stealing could be a disorder? While many thieves, pickpockets and shoplifters steal for personal gain, others do it because they are suffering from a compulsive mental disorder that forces them to pick something when others are not looking. It is called Kleptomania or pathological stealing. Dr. Margaret Mungherera of Uganda Medical Association says kleptomania is more common in young women than in men.
People suffering from kleptomania have an irresistible compulsion to steal. They are mostly interested in the thrill they get from stealing, rather than the items they steal. In fact, many times, they will give away the stolen item or merely throw it away. They usually steal items that they do not need, items they can easily afford to pay for or those, which they already have enough of.
Before stealing, the person goes through a sense of tension and feels pleasure or relief, while committing the offence. Usually, kleptomaniacs are not driven by anger or feelings of revenge and are conscious when they are doing it. That is why if they know they are being watched, they may resist the temptation to steal. They are aware that stealing is wrong and usually feel guilty or depressed about their habit.
Sometimes, the person may have a penchant for collecting the stolen items or may just stealthily return it later. Kleptomaniacs do not use accomplices or work with other thieves to steal. Often, they do not plan a theft.
Mungerera says the disorder is very rare. Only about 5% of shoplifters are suffering from this disorder.
Their traits are very different from normal shoplifters and petty thieves, who usually plan to steal and for such reasons as dares by their peers, poverty or the value they attach to the object they want to steal. While other thieves usually plan their moves and sometimes get violent, kleptomaniacs will very rarely use violence to steal.
They are usually well meaning and law-abiding citizens, who may even have a lot to lose if caught stealing.
Munghe-rera says kleptomania is brought about by underlying psychological problems, some of which may be rooted in their childhood. “Some are not even aware that they have these problems,†Mungherera says.
Experiences like physical, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect and not being shown enough love as a child may cause kleptomania. In older people, the habit may be onset by unresolved problems in marriage, work, home or relationships.
Kleptomaniacs are most bound to steal during the times when they are going through stress and depression.
However, to most people, there is no difference between a kleptomaniac and a thief.
According to Asuman Mugenyi, the Police spokesman, punishment is the same for a kleptomaniac and a thief.
“For us, crime is crime, unless it is proved by a medical doctor that the person was out of his or her mind when he or she did it.â€
He says such a person would be subject to thorough medical examination. “But kleptomania is no excuse to break the law.â€
Mungherera says kleptomaniacs can only be helped by receiving psychotherapy from a counsellor, otherwise they may have the habit for a lifetime.
It is also important to make the patient realise that others are harmed by their stealing.
The counsellor or psychotherapist helps dig out the underlying problems that led to the condition in order to help the patient to deal with it.
The only problem is many people are embarrassed by such a problem and may be reluctant to talk to a counsellor about it. A good counsellor will be able to discuss the problem in confidence.
DID you know that stealing could be a disorder? While many thieves, pickpockets and shoplifters steal for personal gain, others do it because they are suffering from a compulsive mental disorder that forces them to pick something when others are not looking. It is called Kleptomania or pathological stealing. Dr. Margaret Mungherera of Uganda Medical Association says kleptomania is more common in young women than in men.
People suffering from kleptomania have an irresistible compulsion to steal. They are mostly interested in the thrill they get from stealing, rather than the items they steal. In fact, many times, they will give away the stolen item or merely throw it away. They usually steal items that they do not need, items they can easily afford to pay for or those, which they already have enough of.
Before stealing, the person goes through a sense of tension and feels pleasure or relief, while committing the offence. Usually, kleptomaniacs are not driven by anger or feelings of revenge and are conscious when they are doing it. That is why if they know they are being watched, they may resist the temptation to steal. They are aware that stealing is wrong and usually feel guilty or depressed about their habit.
Sometimes, the person may have a penchant for collecting the stolen items or may just stealthily return it later. Kleptomaniacs do not use accomplices or work with other thieves to steal. Often, they do not plan a theft.
Mungerera says the disorder is very rare. Only about 5% of shoplifters are suffering from this disorder.
Their traits are very different from normal shoplifters and petty thieves, who usually plan to steal and for such reasons as dares by their peers, poverty or the value they attach to the object they want to steal. While other thieves usually plan their moves and sometimes get violent, kleptomaniacs will very rarely use violence to steal.
They are usually well meaning and law-abiding citizens, who may even have a lot to lose if caught stealing.
Munghe-rera says kleptomania is brought about by underlying psychological problems, some of which may be rooted in their childhood. “Some are not even aware that they have these problems,†Mungherera says.
Experiences like physical, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect and not being shown enough love as a child may cause kleptomania. In older people, the habit may be onset by unresolved problems in marriage, work, home or relationships.
Kleptomaniacs are most bound to steal during the times when they are going through stress and depression.
However, to most people, there is no difference between a kleptomaniac and a thief.
According to Asuman Mugenyi, the Police spokesman, punishment is the same for a kleptomaniac and a thief.
“For us, crime is crime, unless it is proved by a medical doctor that the person was out of his or her mind when he or she did it.â€
He says such a person would be subject to thorough medical examination. “But kleptomania is no excuse to break the law.â€
Mungherera says kleptomaniacs can only be helped by receiving psychotherapy from a counsellor, otherwise they may have the habit for a lifetime.
It is also important to make the patient realise that others are harmed by their stealing.
The counsellor or psychotherapist helps dig out the underlying problems that led to the condition in order to help the patient to deal with it.
The only problem is many people are embarrassed by such a problem and may be reluctant to talk to a counsellor about it. A good counsellor will be able to discuss the problem in confidence.