The effects of hoarding disorder on families: an integrative review

Compulsive hoarding affects approximately 2-5% of the adult population. Increasing recognition has led to its inclusion as a distinct condition in forthcoming revisions to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V. Hoarding behaviour can have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of family members. A rigorous review of available evidence using a novel three-stage literature search was undertaken: (1) an extensive scoping review; (2) a traditional search of databases including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and psycINFO using combinations of keywords; and (3) review of cited references and hand-searching of selected journals. Evidence was selected using predefined inclusion criteria. Papers included two surveys, one qualitative study and one case study. An integrative review methodology was used to synthesize the evidence presented. Analysis revealed three overriding themes: quality of life, shattered families and rallying around. These illuminated the experiences of family members. These papers revealed families under strain and often at breaking point but with the resolve to pull together if the right support is available. This review concludes that further research is needed to investigate the effects of hoarding on family members and how these may best be met.