Hoarding Disorder: A Comprehensive Clinical Overview and New Research Directions-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The session provided an in-depth exploration of hoarding disorder, featuring three experts: Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, Dr. Randy O. Frost, and Dr. Michael G. Wheaton. The presentation covered diagnosing and understanding hoarding disorder, detailing the DSM-5 criteria which includes persistent difficulty discarding possessions, accumulation of belongings that clutter living areas, and significant distress or impairment in functioning due to the hoarding.<br /><br />Hoarding disorder has been identified across cultures and affects roughly 2.5% of the population. It often coexists with conditions like major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Onset typically manifests in late adolescence, and severity can increase with age. The discussion noted the disorder's significant safety and social implications, including fire hazards and eviction risks.<br /><br />The speakers presented a conceptual model analyzing vulnerabilities, such as perfectionism and emotional dysregulation, that contribute to hoarding. Proposed treatments focused on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), involving motivational interviewing, organizational skills, and altering attachments to possessions. Success in treatment depends on patient participation, especially in completing assigned tasks and practicing non-acquisition techniques. Novel approaches, like virtual reality therapy, were suggested for future research to make virtual uncluttering feasible and to overcome accessibility barriers.<br /><br />The Q&A session addressed screening techniques and concurrent psychotic disorders, endorsing a comprehensive approach, using motivational interviewing for non-hoarding clutter issues, and treating psychosis first when hoarding is comorbid. Personal stories illustrated the human impact and complexity of hoarding, highlighting the need for empathy and nuanced care.

Keywords

hoarding disorder

DSM-5 criteria

cognitive behavioral therapy

emotional dysregulation

perfectionism

virtual reality therapy

motivational interviewing

major depression

generalized anxiety disorder

post-traumatic stress disorder

fire hazards

organizational skills

screening techniques