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Actual and perceived memory deficits in individuals with compulsive hoarding
Tamara L Hartl1, Randy O Frost, George J Allen
1Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.
Depression and Anxiety
|September 25, 2004
Summary
Individuals with compulsive hoarding exhibit memory impairments and lower confidence in their memory. This suggests memory deficits may contribute to hoarding behaviors, impacting daily functioning and decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Compulsive hoarding is a complex disorder often linked to memory deficits.
- Previous research suggests a potential connection between memory problems and hoarding behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate memory performance, confidence, and beliefs in individuals with compulsive hoarding.
- To compare memory functions between hoarders and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) to assess memory.
- Administered self-report measures for memory confidence, forgetting consequences, and need for external memory aids.
- Included 22 individuals with severe hoarding symptoms and 24 matched controls.
Main Results:
- Hoarders demonstrated poorer recall on delayed memory tasks (RCFT and CVLT).
- Reduced organizational strategies were observed in hoarders on the RCFT.
- Hoarders reported lower memory confidence, greater fear of forgetting, and a stronger need to keep items visible.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest learning and memory impairments are present in compulsive hoarding.
- Poor memory confidence may exacerbate hoarding symptoms.
- These memory deficits warrant further investigation as a potential therapeutic target.