A Study of the Clinical characteristics and Psychopathology of Kleptomania offenders / 대한법의학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECT: This study was devised to examine the demographic characteristics, psychopathology and associated psychiatric disorder of the Kleptomania offenders. METHODS: Kleptomania offenders who was referred to the National Forensic Psychiatric Hospital was concerned. RESULTS: Most of the Kleptomania offenders were women(92.6%, N=25) and lived alone(71.4%, N=20). In their first stealing, 25(92.6%) reported stressful situation just before stealing behavior but at admission 14(51.9%) is reported. Kleptomania experienced physical and sexual abuse during childhood; 9(33.3%) in case of physical abuse and 12(44.4%) in case of sexual abuse. At admission, Most of them complains of depressive mood(88.9%, N=24) and anxiety(88.9%, M=24), and any disorders like delusion was rare(7.4%, M=2). Most of Kleptomania offenders were comorbid psychiatric disorder; mood disorder(48.1%, N=13), personality disorder(40.7%, N=11), psychotic disorder(25.9%, N=7), anxiety disorder(14.8%, N=4) and alcohol dependence(14.8%, N=4). 24(88.9%) responded to the psychiatric treatment and 16(59.2%) of them had good prognosis. CONCLUSION: Most of Kleptomania offenders were single women and were abused physically or sexually during childhood. They had comorbid psychiatric disorder that responded to the psychiatric treatment and had good prognosis.