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Suggest Ways To Manage A Person With Kleptomania
Question: My sister, 29, married with a baby girl of 4 years, has a history of stealing things and money. But since the past 2 years, this has aggravated a lot. She is stealing big amounts from her own husband and in - laws. She is using this money to shop for clothes, jewellery, purses etc. She hides the things she buys from fear of being caught. Despite promising not to do it, swearing on her child - she continues to steal and shop. Can it be a mental disorder?
Brief Answer:
Yes it can be a mental disorder & it can be treated
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern for your sister.
From your history she may have one or more of the following disorder.
-Shopping addiction - It is also called compulsive buying disorder, or compulsive shopping. It can be part of impulse control disorder or obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder.
- Kleptomania- It is the inability to refrain from the urge to steal items and is done for reasons other than personal use or financial gain.
- Depression or Bipolar disorder - in Her symptoms can be part of either of depression or bipolar disorder.
For exact diagnosis, detail hisotry and mental status examination are required to be done in person by a psychiatrist.
All of above can be treated with psychotherapy or/and medicines. If family is supportive, treatment becomes easy.
Arrange personal consultation with a psychiatrist to soon to make her life better.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr Chintan Solanki.
Yes it can be a mental disorder & it can be treated
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern for your sister.
From your history she may have one or more of the following disorder.
-Shopping addiction - It is also called compulsive buying disorder, or compulsive shopping. It can be part of impulse control disorder or obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder.
- Kleptomania- It is the inability to refrain from the urge to steal items and is done for reasons other than personal use or financial gain.
- Depression or Bipolar disorder - in Her symptoms can be part of either of depression or bipolar disorder.
For exact diagnosis, detail hisotry and mental status examination are required to be done in person by a psychiatrist.
All of above can be treated with psychotherapy or/and medicines. If family is supportive, treatment becomes easy.
Arrange personal consultation with a psychiatrist to soon to make her life better.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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