
Golriz Ghahraman, New Zealand’s Member of Parliament, has resigned from her position for shoplifting charges
Kleptomania is a mental health disorder that involves repeatedly being unable to resist the urge to steal items that you generally don’t really need. Often the items stolen have little value and you can afford to buy them. It was first identified in 1816 and is categorized as an impulse control disorder in psychiatry. Kleptomania is rare but can be a serious condition. It can cause much emotional pain — and even legal problems — if not treated.
Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder — a disorder that involves problems with emotional or behavioral self-control. If you have an impulse control disorder, you have difficulty resisting the temptation or powerful urge to perform an act that’s excessive or harmful to you or someone else.
The thefts caused by kleptomania are typically spontaneous, and individuals with kleptomania often experience tension before the theft and relief or gratification afterward. It’s important to note that kleptomania is distinct from other forms of stealing motivated by anger, revenge, or a desire for personal gain. The exact cause is unclear, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and psychological factors. Treatment often involves psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy, to address the underlying issues.
In recent news, Golriz Ghahraman, New Zealand Green Party’s justice spokesperson and a member of parliament, has resigned from her position after being charged with shoplifting from an upscale Auckland clothing store.
The human rights lawyer represented the Green Party on issues pertaining to trade, justice, and international relations, among other things. However, she has since resigned from these positions while the party looks into theclaims.
In 2017, Ghahraman made history by becoming the first refugee to be elected to parliament in New Zealand, having sought asylum from Iran after the Iran-Iraq war.
Before entering politics, Ghahraman worked as a criminal defence and human rights lawyer, including for UN tribunals in Rwanda, Cambodia and The Hague.
“It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well,” Ghahraman has stated. “The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recentevents giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma.”
Ghahraman’s history as the first refugee elected to the New Zealand government adds another layer of complexity. Her contributions as a human rights lawyer, coupled with her acknowledgment of mental health struggles, raises questions about the support systems in place for individuals in high-stress professions dealing with traumatic experiences.
The reported stress and trauma described by Golriz Ghahraman’s mental health professional shed light on the challenges she faced. Green Party co-leaders acknowledged the continuous threats she endured, emphasizing the impact on her well-being.
Ghahraman’s acknowledgment of her actions as irrational and the mention of a medical evaluation revealing underlying stress response and unrecognized trauma highlight the intricate relationship between mental health and kleptomania. This aligns with the general understanding that individuals with kleptomania often experience tension before theft, seeking relief or gratification afterward.
The association of kleptomania with difficulties in emotional or behavioral self-control is crucial in understanding the compulsive nature of the disorder, as individuals grapple with the overpowering urge to steal items they don’t need.
Individuals grappling with kleptomania can find themselves engaged in shoplifting due to the compulsive and impulsive nature of the disorder. Kleptomania is intricately tied to their mental health, often stemming from underlying psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved emotional issues. The act of stealing serves as a maladaptive coping mechanism to alleviate internal tension, with the individual experiencing an overpowering urge leading up to the theft. Despite recognizing the irrationality of their actions, a cycle of guilt and shame persists.
To address this mental health challenge, therapeutic interventions play a crucial role. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly employed to identify and modify thought patterns and behaviors associated with kleptomania. Additionally, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to manage symptoms. A supportive environment, understanding legal frameworks that consider the mental health aspect, and ongoing therapeutic assistance are vital components in helping individuals with kleptomania gain control over their impulses and prevent recurrent shoplifting behaviors.
This case raises complex issues surrounding mental health, criminal behavior, and the challenges individuals face when dealing with impulse control disorders such as kleptomania. The revelation of Ghahraman’s shoplifting charges and subsequent resignation sheds light on the intersection of mental health struggles and professional responsibilities.
The situation with Golriz Ghahraman prompts reflection on the broader societal understanding of mental health, especially within the realms of high-profile professions where individuals may face intense scrutiny. It underscores the need for empathy, comprehensive mental health support, and destigmatization to facilitate the well-being of individuals grappling with impulse control disorders, such as kleptomania, within professional and public spheres. This case serves as a reminder of the multifaceted challenges individuals face when mental health intersects with public life and professional responsibilities.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kleptomania/symptoms-causes/syc-20364732 https://books.google.com/books?id=QN92oESUXfwC
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/17/the-refugee-mp-golriz-ghahraman-on-why-she-ha d-to-enter-new-zealand-politics
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/golriz-ghahraman-live-updates-mp-resigns-after-shopl ifting-allegations/?dicbo=v2-HKW4cx8
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/nz-mp-resigns-following-shoplifting-allegations/ar-AA1n3 fpI?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=9d531177001844389c01fd883cd6a6af&ei=20