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Pilot treatment program for shoplifting in eating disorders

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Abstract

Objective: There are no established treatment programs for shoplifting in eating disorder patients. Our objective was to observe the effect of an established behavioural treatment program in a series of eating disorder patients. Methods: Patients with eating disorders who shoplift voluntarily took part in an 8-week behavioral treatment program at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. They completed assessments at the first session, last session, and at 1 and 6 months post intervention. Results: Six patients enrolled in the study and three patients completed the treatment program. Only one patient reported a decrease in shoplifting frequency. All subjects reported an increase in self-esteem and ability to control shoplifting impulses. Discussion: Our findings suggest that behavioral therapy may be effective in treating shoplifting in eating disorders, but that longer sessions and follow-up may be necessary to show benefit. A randomized control trial with longerterm follow-up is needed to determine whether there is a benefit.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6Z 1Y6

    C. Laird Birmingham, J. Hlynsky & S. Gritzner

  2. Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, New Westminster, Canada

    B. Russell

Authors
  1. C. Laird Birmingham
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  2. J. Hlynsky
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  3. B. Russell
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  4. S. Gritzner
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Correspondence to C. Laird Birmingham.

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Birmingham, C.L., Hlynsky, J., Russell, B. et al. Pilot treatment program for shoplifting in eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 10, e105–e108 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03327501

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03327501

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