Eating disorders and shoplifting--a study in two settings.

Two groups of female shoplifters drawn from a specialist out-patient service (52) and a Magistrates' Court (50) are compared for their level of eating disorder. Only one person knew of a previous diagnosis of eating disorder. Their levels of eating disorder and general psychopathology are high in both settings but particularly those referred for psychiatric assessment. Those with an eating disorder had significantly higher levels of psychiatric disturbance, depressive illness and hoarding behaviour.