Treating kleptomania: cross-cultural adaptation of the Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale and assessment of an outpatient program

Abstract Background Kleptomania is characterized by repetitive stealing and has severe consequences for patients. Stigma, a lack of standardized therapy and a limited number of assessment tools hinder advances in treatment. This study provides preliminary data on the Portuguese-language version of the Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale (P-K-SAS) and preliminary data on an outpatient program. Methods Experts in the field analyzed an initial P-K-SAS version, produced through translation/back-translation, in order to arrive at a final version. Eight patients currently on cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and 10 patients under maintenance CBT were initially assessed, then re-assessed 6 months later. Results The mean P-K-SAS score was higher among patients initiating CBT than among those under maintenance CBT (21.1 ± 8.0 vs. 11.3 ± 7.5; Mann–Whitney U = 15.0, P = .024). The final version of the P-K-SAS presented excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.980; inter-item correlation, 0.638–0.907). Conclusions The P-K-SAS presented solid psychometrics and seems ready for use in assessing the effectiveness of treatments for kleptomania. The findings suggest that kleptomania patients need follow-up treatment that goes beyond the traditional 12-session structure.