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Compulsive hoarding: current controversies and new directions

Jessica R Grisham1, Melissa M Norberg

  • 1School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. jgrisham@psy.unsw.edu.au

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
|July 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Compulsive hoarding, a disabling psychological disorder, is increasingly viewed as a distinct syndrome. Research advances cover its diagnosis, epidemiology, neuropsychological factors, and clinical management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Compulsive hoarding is a disabling psychological disorder.
  • It is characterized by excessive collecting and saving behaviors.
  • Recent research has focused on understanding this complex condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in compulsive hoarding research.
  • To discuss the diagnostic status and conceptualization of hoarding as a separate syndrome.
  • To explore epidemiology, neuropsychological correlates, and clinical management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on compulsive hoarding.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding diagnostic classification.
  • Synthesis of findings on epidemiology, demographics, and course.
  • Review of neuropsychological research and clinical management progress.

Main Results:

  • Growing evidence supports conceptualizing hoarding as a distinct syndrome.
  • Advances in understanding hoarding's epidemiology, course, and demographics.
  • Emerging findings on neuropsychological correlates of hoarding disorder.
  • Progress in developing and evaluating clinical management approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Hoarding disorder may be best understood as a separate syndrome.
  • Further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria and treatment.
  • Understanding neuropsychological factors is crucial for effective intervention.
  • Continued progress in clinical management offers hope for improved patient outcomes.

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