Do You Have a Mania?

Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder characterised by an irresistible urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. This condition is classified under the impulse control disorders, where the act of stealing is typically done on impulse as a way to relieve anxiety or tension, rather than out of anger or vengeance. People with kleptomania often feel guilt, shame, or remorse after the theft.

Key Characteristics:

· Recurrent Stealing: Individuals with kleptomania experience recurrent, uncontrollable impulses to steal items that they usually do not need.

· Tension Before the Act: There is often an increasing sense of tension or arousal before committing the theft.

· Relief or Gratification: Stealing provides relief or gratification, but this is followed by feelings of guilt or remorse.

· Not Preplanned: The thefts are not preplanned and are not motivated by anger or financial need.

· Not Explained by Other Disorders: The behaviour is not better explained by another mental disorder, such as conduct disorder, a manic episode, or antisocial personality disorder.

This self-assessment can help identify signs of kleptomania but is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional.

1. Do you feel unable to resist urges to steal items that you don't need?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Do you experience a sense of tension or anxiety that is relieved by stealing?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. After stealing, do you feel guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Are your stealing behaviours impulsive rather than planned out?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Do you steal items for reasons other than personal use or financial gain (e.g., for the thrill or relief it provides)?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

6. Have you tried and failed to stop stealing on your own?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to several questions: Your responses may suggest signs of kleptomania, especially if these behaviours cause distress or impair your social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. It's important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and to explore treatment options.

· Regardless of your answers: If you're concerned about impulses to steal or any other issues related to impulse control, consulting with a mental health professional can provide clarity and support. Treatment for kleptomania often involves therapy, and in some cases, medication may be recommended to help manage symptoms.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. A professional can offer strategies to manage the impulses, address any underlying issues, and improve your quality of life.

Dipsomania, often referred to in modern terms as alcohol use disorder (AUD) or severe alcohol dependency, is characterised by an uncontrollable craving for alcohol and compulsive drinking, despite adverse consequences. Unlike casual or social drinking, dipsomania involves a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Individuals with this condition may prioritise alcohol consumption over personal responsibilities, relationships, and health, leading to significant impairment or distress.

Key Characteristics:

· Compulsive Drinking: An overwhelming need to drink alcohol, often to the point of neglecting other aspects of life.

· Tolerance: Needing to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects, indicating an increased tolerance over time.

· Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, nausea, and anxiety, when not drinking.

· Loss of Control: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control alcohol use.

· Time Consumption: Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.

· Neglect of Activities: Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to alcohol use.

· Continued Use Despite Problems: Continuing to drink alcohol even when knowing it's causing physical or psychological problems.

This self-assessment can help identify signs of severe alcohol dependency. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1. Do you often find yourself drinking more or for a longer time than you intended?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Have you repeatedly wanted to cut down or stop drinking but found you couldn't?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. Do you spend a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Do you have a strong need, or urge, to drink?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Has your drinking caused trouble with your family or friends?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

6. Have you continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

7. Have you given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you in order to drink?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

8. Have you gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

9. Have you continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

10. Have you had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

11. Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to several questions: This may indicate a dependency on alcohol. It's important to seek professional help for an accurate assessment and to discuss treatment options.

· Regardless of your answers: If you're concerned about your alcohol use, reaching out for professional help is a crucial step. Calm 'n' Caring offers support and treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder, providing a path towards recovery and healthier living.

Remember, seeking help for alcohol dependency is a sign of strength. Treatment can include counselling, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes, tailored to your individual needs.

Megalomania is a psychological condition characterised by delusional fantasies of power, relevance, omnipotence, and superiority. Historically, the term has been used to describe individuals who exhibit an excessive preoccupation with their own power and importance, often disregarding the well-being of others. In contemporary psychology, such behaviours might be more accurately described under the umbrella of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or other personality disorders that involve grandiosity, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration.

Key Characteristics:

· Grandiosity: A grandiose sense of self-importance or uniqueness.

· Fantasies of Unlimited Success: Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.

· Need for Admiration: A constant need for admiration and validation from others.

· Sense of Entitlement: A sense of entitlement and unreasonable expectations of especially favourable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations.

· Interpersonal Exploitation: Willingness to exploit others to achieve personal goals.

· Lack of Empathy: A lack of empathy and an unwillingness or inability to recognise or identify with the feelings and needs of others.

· Envy: Often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them.

· Arrogant Behaviours: Arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes.

This self-assessment can help identify signs of narcissistic personality traits or disorder. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1. Do you often feel that you are superior to others or that you can only be understood by or associate with people or institutions that are also special or high-status?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Do you often require excessive admiration from others to feel good about yourself?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. Do you often find yourself exaggerating your achievements and talents to others?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Do you expect special treatment or compliance with your expectations from others due to your perceived status or achievements?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Do you often take advantage of others to achieve your own ends, without considering their feelings or well-being?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

6. Do you lack empathy or have difficulty understanding or recognising the needs and feelings of others?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

7. Are you often envious of others or believe that others are envious of you?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

8. Do you behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, looking down on others or behaving as if you are more important?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to several questions: This may indicate narcissistic traits or tendencies. It's important to seek professional help for an accurate assessment and to discuss treatment options.

· Regardless of your answers: If you're concerned about your behaviour or how it affects your relationships, reaching out for professional help is a crucial step. Calm 'n' Caring offers support and treatment for individuals struggling with personality disorders, providing a path towards understanding, growth, and healthier interpersonal relationships.

Remember, seeking help for personality disorders is a sign of strength. Treatment can include psychotherapy, which can help you understand your thoughts and behaviours, improve your interpersonal relationships, and develop healthier self-esteem and empathy.

Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition characterised by a recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out hair from one's scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas of the body, despite trying to stop. The hair pulling can lead to noticeable hair loss, distress, and significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.

Key Characteristics:

· Recurrent Pulling of One’s Hair: Resulting in hair loss.

· Repeated Attempts to Decrease or Stop Hair Pulling: Individuals often attempt to stop pulling their hair but are unable to do so.

· Distress or Impairment: The hair pulling causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

· Not Attributable to Another Medical Condition: The hair pulling is not attributable to another medical condition (e.g., a dermatological condition) and is not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., body dysmorphic disorder).

This self-assessment is designed to help identify signs of trichotillomania. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Instructions: Answer "Yes" or "No" to the following questions based on your experiences.

1. Do you have a recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out your hair?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Have you experienced noticeable hair loss as a result of hair pulling?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. Do you experience an increase in tension immediately before pulling out hair or when attempting to resist the behaviour?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Do you feel relief, satisfaction, or pleasure when pulling out hair?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Has your hair pulling caused significant distress or impacted your social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

6. Have you made repeated attempts to reduce or stop hair pulling?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

7. Do you often pull your hair in response to feelings of anxiety, boredom, or tension?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

8. Do you tend to pull your hair when alone or during idle moments?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to multiple questions: Your responses suggest that you may have trichotillomania, especially if the behaviour causes significant distress or impairment in your life.

· If you answered "No" to most questions: While you may not have trichotillomania, if you have concerns about related behaviours or mental health, consulting with a mental health professional can be beneficial.

If you're concerned about hair-pulling behaviours or if these behaviours are causing distress, seeking help can make a difference. Calm 'n' Caring offers specialised support for individuals dealing with trichotillomania. Our team can provide strategies to manage the urge to pull hair and address any underlying emotional or psychological issues. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in overcoming trichotillomania. Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous step towards regaining control of your life and improving your mental health.

Oniomania, commonly known as compulsive buying disorder (CBD), is characterised by an overwhelming urge to shop and buy items, often unnecessary, to the point where it causes distress or impairment. Individuals with oniomania frequently purchase items to experience temporary relief from emotional distress, only to feel guilt or remorse later. This condition can lead to significant financial problems, interpersonal issues, and emotional distress.

Key Characteristics:

· Compulsive Shopping: Engaging in shopping and buying behaviour that feels irresistible and is often unnecessary.

· Emotional Relief: Shopping to relieve negative emotions or feelings of distress, followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or remorse.

· Financial Consequences: Experiencing financial problems due to uncontrollable spending, including debt or financial instability.

· Interpersonal Issues: Strained relationships due to the excessive shopping behaviour and its consequences.

· Impairment or Distress: The shopping behaviour causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

This self-assessment can help identify signs of compulsive buying behaviour. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1. Do you often feel an irresistible urge to shop and buy things, even if you don't need them?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Do you shop to relieve feelings of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. After shopping, do you feel guilt, shame, or remorse about your behaviour?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Have you experienced financial problems, such as debt or inability to pay bills, due to your shopping behaviour?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Do you hide your purchases, shopping habits, or the amount of money spent from family members or friends?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

6. Have you tried to reduce or control your shopping behaviour but found yourself unable to do so?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

7. Does your shopping behaviour cause significant distress or impair your social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

8. Do you often buy items that you do not need or did not plan to purchase before going shopping?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to several questions: This may indicate signs of compulsive buying disorder. It's important to seek professional help for an accurate assessment and to discuss treatment options.

· Regardless of your answers: If you're concerned about your shopping behaviour and its impact on your life, reaching out for professional help is a crucial step. Calm 'n' Caring offers support and treatment for individuals struggling with compulsive buying disorder, providing a path towards healthier spending habits and emotional well-being.

Treatment for oniomania often includes therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which can help identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and address any underlying emotional issues. In some cases, medication may also be recommended to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.

Plutomania is an excessive or abnormal obsession with wealth and money. Unlike more commonly discussed conditions like compulsive buying disorder (oniomania) or gambling addiction, plutomania focuses on the accumulation of wealth itself rather than the act of spending or gambling it away. Individuals with plutomania may be excessively preoccupied with growing their wealth, to the point where this pursuit overtakes other aspects of their lives, including personal relationships and their own well-being.

Key Characteristics:

· Obsession with Accumulating Wealth: An overwhelming desire to continuously increase one's wealth, often beyond any practical need.

· Neglect of Personal Relationships: Personal and familial relationships may suffer due to the individual's focus on wealth accumulation.

· Compulsive Monitoring of Wealth: Constantly checking bank balances, investments, and other indicators of financial status.

· Distress over Spending: Experiencing significant distress or anxiety over the idea of spending money, even on necessities.

· Wealth as Self-Worth: Measuring self-worth almost exclusively through financial success and possessions.

This self-assessment can help identify signs of an unhealthy obsession with accumulating wealth. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1. Do you find that your mood and self-esteem are heavily influenced by your financial status or fluctuations in your wealth?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Do you spend a significant amount of time each day thinking about or managing your finances, even when there is no practical need to do so?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. Have your personal relationships suffered because of your focus on accumulating wealth?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Do you experience anxiety or distress at the thought of spending money, to the point where you avoid making necessary purchases?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Is accumulating wealth a higher priority for you than other life goals or activities that used to bring you joy?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

6. Do you feel compelled to continue accumulating more wealth, despite already having more than enough for your needs or future security?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to several questions: This may indicate an unhealthy focus on wealth accumulation. While ambition and financial security are positive goals, an excessive focus can lead to negative outcomes in personal well-being and relationships.

· Regardless of your answers: If you're concerned about your relationship with money and how it affects your life, reaching out for professional help is a crucial step. Financial therapists or psychologists specialising in behavioural finance can provide support and strategies to develop a healthier relationship with money.

Remember, seeking help for issues related to money and wealth accumulation is a sign of strength. Therapy can help you balance the pursuit of financial goals with maintaining personal well-being and fulfilling relationships.

Phonomania, while not widely recognised or classified in major diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD-11, can be understood as an obsessive interest in or compulsion towards certain sounds, music, or the act of making noise. However, the term might also be interpreted or misinterpreted in various contexts, including an excessive enthusiasm for telephones (from "phono") or even an obsession with murder (from "phono" as in "phonocide," though this is a non-standard use). For clarity and relevance, let's consider phonomania in the context of an excessive or abnormal interest in sounds or music, keeping in mind that a direct correlation to a specific psychological disorder might not exist in clinical literature.

If you're finding that an obsession with sounds, music, or making noise is significantly impacting your daily functioning or well-being, it might be reflective of an underlying issue, such as an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or another form of sensory processing disorder. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

This self-assessment can help identify if your interest in sounds, music, or making noise might be impacting your life in a negative way. Remember, this is not a diagnostic tool.

1. Do you find yourself preoccupied with certain sounds or types of music to the extent that it interferes with your daily responsibilities?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Do you experience anxiety or distress when you cannot listen to or make these sounds or music?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. Has your interest in sounds or music led to negative consequences in your personal relationships, work, or education?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Do you spend a significant amount of time seeking out specific sounds or music, possibly neglecting other activities or obligations?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Do you continue to obsess over sounds or music despite attempts to stop or cut back on this behaviour?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to several questions: This may indicate that your interest in sounds or music is having a negative impact on your life. While not a disorder in itself, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.

· Regardless of your answers: If your preoccupation with sounds, music, or making noise is causing distress or functional impairment, seeking professional help is advisable. A mental health professional can help determine if this obsession is part of a broader psychological issue and offer strategies to manage it.

Remember, reaching out for help is a positive step toward understanding your behaviours and improving your quality of life. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle adjustments to help you find a healthier balance. 

Ergomania, also known as workaholism, is characterised by an excessive and uncontrollable preoccupation with work and productivity, often at the expense of personal health, leisure time, and social relationships. Individuals with ergomania may work long hours, not because of financial necessity, but because of an inner compulsion to keep working. This condition can lead to stress, burnout, physical health problems, and strained relationships.

Key Characteristics:

· Compulsive Working: Engaging in work excessively and compulsively, beyond what is reasonably required for financial stability or career success.

· Neglect of Personal Life: Significant neglect of leisure activities, hobbies, and time with family and friends due to work commitments.

· Guilt When Not Working: Experiencing feelings of guilt, anxiety, or restlessness when not working or engaging in work-related tasks.

· Health and Relationship Issues: Development of health problems or deterioration of personal relationships as a result of excessive work.

This self-assessment is designed to help identify signs of ergomania. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1. Do you often work longer hours than your colleagues or feel the need to work outside of your scheduled hours?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

2. Do you struggle to detach from work, thinking about it or engaging in work-related activities during your free time?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

3. Do you feel anxious or guilty when you are not working or if you think you are not being productive enough?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

4. Have you been told by friends or family that you work too much or have you noticed a strain in your personal relationships due to your work habits?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

5. Do you prioritise work over your hobbies, leisure activities, or spending time with loved ones?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

6. Have you experienced health issues (such as stress, anxiety, physical exhaustion) that you believe are related to your work habits?

· Yes [ ]

· No [ ]

· If you answered "Yes" to several questions: This may indicate tendencies towards ergomania. While dedication to work can be positive, it's important to maintain a healthy balance to ensure your well-being and the quality of your personal relationships.

· Regardless of your answers: If you're concerned about your work habits and their impact on your life, seeking professional advice is a wise step. A mental health professional can help you find strategies to balance work with personal health and relationships.

Remember, recognising the need for a healthier work-life balance is the first step towards change. Professional support can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your work habits, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life.