Adolescent stealing treated with motivational interviewing and imaginal desensitization - Case report

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Psychiatry
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Adolescent shoplifting affects an estimated 15% of US youth.
• Significant psychosocial consequences are linked to adolescent stealing.
• Research on effective treatments for adolescent shoplifting is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the successful application of an individualized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of CBT in treating compulsive shoplifting in an adolescent.
• To explore a promising treatment for a common adolescent behavioral issue.

Main Methods:

• A 17-year-old male with compulsive stealing received a six-session individualized CBT protocol.
• Treatment included motivational interviewing, psycho-education, behavioral modification, and imaginal desensitization.
• An additional eight sessions focused on maintaining treatment gains.

Main Results:

• The patient's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores decreased from 22 pre-treatment to 3 post-14 sessions.
• The adolescent remained abstinent from stealing following the intervention.
• The treatment demonstrated significant reduction in compulsive shoplifting behavior.

Conclusions:

• Individualized cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adolescent compulsive shoplifting.
• This therapeutic approach offers a promising intervention for a prevalent adolescent behavior.
• The study highlights the potential of CBT in addressing antisocial behaviors in adolescents.