Hoarding Disorder: The Current Evidence in Conceptualization, Intervention, and Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Hoarding disorder is defined by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, causing significant distress and clutter.
• Accumulated items lead to substantial personal, social, and legal ramifications.
• Understanding the disorder's etiology is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current understanding of hoarding disorder.
• To summarize effective treatment modalities and emerging etiological models.
• To identify research gaps and future directions, particularly for specialized populations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of hoarding disorder research.
• Synthesis of findings on cognitive-behavioral therapies, community interventions, and peer support.
• Analysis of animal, attachment, and neurobiological models.
• Examination of interventions for children, older adults, and involuntary patients.

Main Results:

• Specialized treatments, including individual and group cognitive and behavioral therapies, demonstrate preliminary effectiveness.
• Animal, attachment, and neurobiological models are advancing the understanding of hoarding disorder's origins.
• Specific considerations are needed for intervening with children, older adults, and involuntarily treated patients.

Conclusions:

• Hoarding disorder requires specialized interventions, with cognitive and behavioral therapies showing promise.
• Further research into etiological factors and tailored approaches for diverse populations is warranted.
• Addressing hoarding disorder necessitates a multi-faceted approach considering individual needs and risk mitigation.