Neuropsychological and neural correlates of hoarding: a practice-friendly review
David Mataix-Cols1, Alberto Pertusa, John Snowdon
1Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, PO 69, De Crespigny Park Road, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. david.mataix-cols@kcl.ac.uk
Insights
Hoarding disorder, a distinct condition, is being increasingly recognized. Research into its neuropsychology and neuroimaging is still limited, especially in well-defined patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Hoarding is a symptom of various neurological and psychiatric conditions, notably obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Emerging evidence indicates hoarding can be a standalone disorder, leading to the proposed diagnosis of hoarding disorder.
- Existing research predominantly involves patients with brain damage, dementia, or OCD, with limited studies on distinct hoarding disorder cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of neuropsychological and neuroimaging research on pathological hoarding.
- To highlight the need for studies focusing on well-characterized individuals with hoarding disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies related to pathological hoarding.
- Analysis of existing research, noting limitations in sample characterization.
Main Results:
- Neuropsychological and neuroimaging research on hoarding is predominantly based on individuals with comorbid conditions like OCD, brain damage, or dementia.
- Studies specifically investigating well-characterized samples of hoarding disorder are scarce.
- Current evidence does not permit definitive conclusions regarding the specific neurobiological underpinnings of hoarding disorder.
Conclusions:
- Hoarding disorder is increasingly recognized as a distinct clinical entity.
- Further research with well-defined samples is crucial for understanding the neuropsychology and neuroimaging correlates of hoarding disorder.
- Clinical practice recommendations are provided based on the current limited evidence.
Abstract:
Hoarding can be a symptom of multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Recent evidence suggests that, in many cases, hoarding can also be a standalone problem that presents independently from other conditions; this has led to the proposal of a new diagnostic entity named hoarding disorder. This article reviews the neuropsychological and neuroimaging research on pathological hoarding. Most research in humans has been conducted in the context of individuals with brain damage, dementia, or OCD. Studies of well-characterized samples of individuals with hoarding disorder are extremely rare. Although not possible to establish firm conclusions at this stage, we conclude with a series of observations and recommendations for clinical practice.
