Kleptomania: The Compulsion to Steal - What Can Be Done? [Paperback]

M.D. Marcus J. Goldman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997

This groundbreaking book lifts the veil of secrecy from one of the most misunderstood compulsive disorders which drives people to steal objects they don't need and often don't use, for reasons they can't explain. Using research and his own case studies, Dr. Goldman provides insights into this disorder and the many myths that surround it, including the fact that almost 80% of all diagnosed kleptomaniacs are women. Most importantly, he explores treatment options and offers practical, compassionate information that can be found nowhere else.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: New Horizon Press (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088282158X
• ISBN-13: 978-0882821580
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A personal book for anyone dealing with Kleptomania, March 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Kleptomania: The Compulsion to Steal - What Can Be Done? (Paperback)

This book about Kleptomania is an excellent book. I was looking for books on this subject, but I found a lot of books that were written in the 80's. This book was published in 1998 and is a great book for anyone dealing with Kleptomania. This book is also good for family members and employers who are dealing with someone who is stealing. I feel that every employer should read this book.

This book is an easy to read and understand book. Great for teens who `might' think that they have a problem and for older people who also after getting in trouble with the law find that they have a problem with stealing. Kleptomania is not people who steal everything; people with kleptomania steal things that are useless to them. This book tells you the signs of a person who might be kleptomania. Taking objects on impulse, without planning ahead; repeatedly taking items that are of no value or need for personal use; feeling increased tension right before the theft, and then feeling relief and pressure at the time of the theft and people with kleptomania steal without feelings of anger or revenge.

Kleptomania is a rare condition. Many people do not come to seek help when they are stealing, unless the courts have told them to. I started therapy on my own because I realized that I did have a problem. This book helped me to see that this is a rare problem and that I can be helped and so can anyone dealing with this condition. I would recommend this book to anyone who might think that they have a problem with stealing.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for Life Saving Information, November 15, 2002

By 

Cindy (Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kleptomania: The Compulsion to Steal - What Can Be Done? (Paperback)

I started looking for a book on the subject since the media hit with the Winona case. I saw Dr. Goldman on Larry King Live, have read quotes from him in recent Time and People magazines and decided to go out and read this compelling book. It touches all the issues I suffer from. It is a compassionate yet straight talking book about a disorder so secretive yet so destructive. Most people simply don't understand the torment and anguish. The book clears up misconceptions and helps the reader grab ahold of themselves. Dr. Goldman, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.