An intensive time-series evaluation of the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy for hoarding disorder: a...

To intensively evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for Hoarding Disorder.

An ABC with extended follow-up N=1 single-case experimental design (SCED) measured discard incidence/frequency/volume and associated cognitions, behaviours and emotions in a 644-day time series. Following a 4-week baseline (A), CBT was initially delivered via out-patient sessions (B) and then out-patient sessions plus domiciliary visits (C). Total treatment duration was 45 sessions (65 weeks) and follow-up was 4 sessions over 23 weeks.

There was a significant increase in frequency and volume of discard, with a reliable and clinically significant reduction in hoarding. The addition of domiciliary visits did not significantly improve discard ability.

The clinical utility of domiciliary visits whilst treating of hoarding is discussed and study limitations noted.