Professionals' and non-professionals' experiences of working with people with Hoarding Disorder: A thematic synthesis

Individuals with Hoarding Disorder can encounter a range of professionals and non-professionals during the course of receiving support to manage the accumulation of belongings. This thematic synthesis explored the experiences of professionals and non-professionals working with people with Hoarding Disorder.

PsycInfo, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in October 2023. Published and unpublished studies were included. Search terms covered various helping professions including volunteer support, and qualitative designs, in relation to Hoarding Disorder. This identified 12 studies. All text within the study 'Results' or 'Findings' section was extracted for data synthesis to capture both author interpretations and participant quotations (mixed method studies extracted qualitative data only). Data were coded 'line by line', which led to descriptive themes being created followed by analytical themes.

Four themes were identified: (1) Relationships are Complex; (2) Possessions are Just the Tip of the Iceberg; (3) Juggling Dilemmas on a Tightrope; and (4) Working with Hoarding is Like a Puzzle to Solve. Twelve subthemes were also identified. These themes described the various challenges involved in working with Hoarding Disorder, including the role of relationships with services and others, comorbidities, such as trauma and executive dysfunction, the ethical dilemmas which are apparent during the work, and the differing perceptions of working with Hoarding Disorder.

This thematic synthesis identifies common challenges involved in working with Hoarding Disorder and offers recommendations as to how professionals and non-professionals can approach their work with this client group.