Is addiction to shopping similar in any way to kleptomania? I realize that kleptomaniacs steal rather than pay, but I can see a similar mechanism to the compulsion.

I am not so sure. often Klepto's seceretly want to get caught. With the shopping addiction it is more about thinking that things will make you happy. 'If I find the perfect outfit my hasband may fall in love with me again.' 'If I buy this table it will look so good in my house I will forget how empty I feel' etc.

I think a Kleptomaniac's condition is psychological and they can't control what they are doing even if they wanted to. While an addict doesn't want to stop what they are doing because it makes them feel better somehow..

What is Kleptomania?

The only similarity I can think of between the two is being unable to resist the temptation..If we are addicted to shopping then it's because we like something and can't resist buying it inspite of knowing that we can do without it or perhaps it isn't a great bargain.However,kleptomaniacs steal anything irrespective of it's commercial value.Kleptomaniacs differ from shopping addicts and shoplifters in that they don't really go by their needs or the products usability.Most of the times they end up stealing worthless items because they can't overpower the impulses to steal.

I don't think there is any relashion between the two in psihological plan .. I celptoman steals a shopping addict pays for he's goods.

bubblebutt07 wrote
What is Kleptomania?

A psychological disorder in which the afflicted person unconsciously, and skillfully steals from stores. Sometimes it's gum, sometimes it iPods. It's a rather serious mental issue, as it affects businesses due to the stealing.

Although a documented, diagnosable and treatable mental disorder, it can't be used as a defense in court.

I dont think so, because if shopping addictions your giving up a lot of money just to make you happy. with kleptomaniacs they just take it. It could be for the thrill. But shopaholics shop to make themselves feel better.

Aries said:

bubblebutt07 wrote
What is Kleptomania?

A psychological disorder in which the afflicted person unconsciously, and skillfully steals from stores. Sometimes it's gum, sometimes it iPods. It's a rather serious mental issue, as it affects businesses due to the stealing.

Although a documented, diagnosable and treatable mental disorder, it can't be used as a defense in court.

Even though it is a diagnosable mental disorder, it can't be used in court? That doesn't really seem to fair,  as many times drug addicts are given the option of rehab as a defense. Why can't kleptomaniacs get that option as well ?

Stormstar878 said:

Aries said:

bubblebutt07 wrote
What is Kleptomania?

A psychological disorder in which the afflicted person unconsciously, and skillfully steals from stores. Sometimes it's gum, sometimes it iPods. It's a rather serious mental issue, as it affects businesses due to the stealing.

Although a documented, diagnosable and treatable mental disorder, it can't be used as a defense in court.

Even though it is a diagnosable mental disorder, it can't be used in court? That doesn't really seem to fair,  as many times drug addicts are given the option of rehab as a defense. Why can't kleptomaniacs get that option as well ?

I think in court its considered a form of insanity. A person has no control over it, its things that are wrong in your brain.