[Stealing in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa]

Only recently stealing behaviour has been noticed as a symptom of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Reviewing our sample of 63 patients we discuss the incidence and motivation of kleptomania. In 24% of our patients stealing behaviour was reported which is a definitely high rate compared to literature. Among the intentions for stealing behaviour we found: Stealing as conversion of revenge, self-assertiveness compensation of binge-eating or stealing as achievement. The differential motivation of stealing should be considered in legal consequences.