Symptoms of hoarding disorder include:

• Difficulty discarding items, even if they are no longer needed or wanted.
• Excessive accumulation of items that leads to clutter and interferes with the normal use of living spaces.
• Difficulty organizing possessions.
• Strong attachment to possessions, even if they are of little or no value.
• Social isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships
• Financial difficulties

Diagnosis of hoarding disorder is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, through a combination of a clinical interview and a review of the person’s symptoms.

Treatment options for hoarding disorder include:

• Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help a person learn how to manage their hoarding and reduce clutter
• Medication, such as antidepressants, to help with symptoms of anxiety or depression that may be associated with hoarding disorder
• Supportive services, such as case management and vocational rehabilitation, to help a person with hoarding disorder lead a more independent life
• Clean-up and organization services which are specialized teams that help with decluttering the living spaces

It’s important to note that hoarding disorder is a chronic and recurrent condition that requires a comprehensive treatment approach, involving therapy, medication, and support services.

For further support and information please book an appointment with our specialists….

To learn more about hoarding disorder, please click on https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/hoarding-disorder/

Dr Ibrahim Yahli MD MRCPsych