Clinically significant hoarding in obsessive-compulsive disorder: results from an Indian study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Hoarding is often viewed as an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptom, but evidence suggests it may be a distinct disorder.
• Most hoarding research originates from Western countries, necessitating transcultural data.
• This study investigates hoarding prevalence and correlates in Indian OCD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of clinically significant hoarding in Indian patients diagnosed with OCD.
• To explore the relationship between hoarding and OCD symptoms.
• To identify correlates of hoarding in this specific demographic.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 200 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition OCD was assessed.
• The Saving Inventory-Revised and a clinical interview were used to identify hoarding.
• Correlates such as comorbidities, functioning, and insight were examined.

Main Results:

• Ten percent (20 patients) exhibited clinically significant hoarding.
• Hoarding appeared independent of other OCD symptoms in all identified cases.
• Hoarders had urban backgrounds, higher rates of certain obsessions/compulsions, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, cluster C personality disorders, and more suicide attempts.

Conclusions:

• Clinically significant hoarding is relatively common in Indian OCD patients and often distinct from OCD.
• Comorbid hoarding is associated with more severe OCD, higher comorbidity rates, increased suicide attempts, and diminished global functioning.
• Findings contribute to the nosological debate on hoarding disorder and offer a valuable transcultural perspective.