title: Psychiatric aspects of shoplifting.
abstract: Clinical evidence of depression present for some months before an episode of shoplifting without criminal intent was found in all 17 patients interviewed after the offence. The person at risk would appear to be a depressed middle-aged woman with a passive-dependent personality, married to an ineffectual rejecting husband who is unable to meet her dependency in times of crisis. Recognition of her depression and appropriate intervention are essential if a criminal deed is to be avoided.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage; D008875:Middle Aged; D013800:Theft