title: Pilot treatment program for shoplifting in eating disorders.
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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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 longer-term follow-up is needed to determine whether there is a benefit.
authors: Eating Disorder Program, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. lbirm@interchange.ubc.ca
authors: C L
authors: CL
authors: Birmingham
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Hlynsky
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Russell
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Gritzner