Kleptomania is defined as:

Kleptomania is defined as:

• A. An uncontrollable urge to engage in violent acts
• B. Recurrent failure to resist the impulse to steal
• C. Frequent episodes of intense anxiety without cause
• D. A significantly heightened sense of confidence

Answer: (B)

Kleptomania is characterized by a recurrent failure to resist the urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. Individuals with this disorder typically find pleasure, relief, or gratification when stealing. This behavior is not driven by anger, vengeance, or a reaction to a delusion; rather, it stems from an impulse control issue. The stealing is often followed by feelings of guilt or remorse, which further distinguishes it from typical theft. The other options don't accurately describe kleptomania. For example, the urge to engage in violent acts pertains more to aggression or certain personality disorders, whereas episodes of intense anxiety without cause are more related to anxiety disorders. A significantly heightened sense of confidence could relate to various mood disorders, including mania, but does not align with the compulsive behavior seen in kleptomania. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of the disorder defined in the DSM-5.

Kleptomania is characterized by a recurrent failure to resist the urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. Individuals with this disorder typically find pleasure, relief, or gratification when stealing. This behavior is not driven by anger, vengeance, or a reaction to a delusion; rather, it stems from an impulse control issue. The stealing is often followed by feelings of guilt or remorse, which further distinguishes it from typical theft.

The other options don't accurately describe kleptomania. For example, the urge to engage in violent acts pertains more to aggression or certain personality disorders, whereas episodes of intense anxiety without cause are more related to anxiety disorders. A significantly heightened sense of confidence could relate to various mood disorders, including mania, but does not align with the compulsive behavior seen in kleptomania. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of the disorder defined in the DSM-5.