How common is hoarding disorder?
Who is at risk?
How common is hoarding disorder?
Who is at risk?
The #1 barrier to treatment is the
stigma and misconception that surrounds
hoarding disorder.
Why can’t I tackle hoarding disorder on my own?
Most people struggling with hoarding disorder have attempted to do something about the clutter on their own, but became overwhelmed and gave up. Hoarding disorder necessitates treatment because of its complexity and underlying factors. The following are factors that can impact a person’s hoarding behavior and often need to be addressed with a professional before or during the de-cluttering process to ensure long lasting results:
What does the best treatment look like?
The first step in successful treatment is accepting help and being open to change. Above all else, treatment requires dedication and internal motivation. Hoarding disorder influences up to six wellness factors, including personal safety, social well-being, physical health, financial well-being, environmental safety, and mental health. The best treatment addresses all six factors.
Simultaneously treating each wellness factor is challenging, as each can be defined differently depending on the individual. Proper treatment methods need to be utilized, including behavioral health therapy, home coaching, and case management. Change is difficult for everybody; integration of the various treatment methods provides the best chance of success for somebody undergoing hoarding treatment.
Integration means treating each wellness factor separately, while working towards one larger goal. Treatment should ultimately be working towards helping an individual halt the influx of clutter, maintain de-cluttered areas, and raise and maintain their overall level of mental and environmental functioning
Trust between all members – client, providers, support – is necessary for success.
What not to do
Do not blame or shame those with hoarding disorder
> Do not throw away someone’s items without permission
> Do not take it personal when someone is upset and being defensive
> Do not give up. Offer help. Ultimately the person must be ready for change.
Who is at risk?
- Hoarding disorder affects up to 6% of the population.
- Studies have indicated hoarding disorder can begin in adolescence.
- Those who are middle-aged and elderly are more likely to have serious symptoms and reach crisis situations.
- Men have been found to have a higher occurrence of hoarding disorder and women are more likely to seek help and accept help.
- Hoarding affects all cultures, income levels and educational levels.
- Most cluttered homes are not filled with garbage, and most individuals do not want to live in a cluttered environment.
How common is hoarding disorder?
Who is at risk?
- Hoarding disorder affects up to 6% of the population.
- Studies have indicated hoarding disorder can begin in adolescence.
- Those who are middle-aged and elderly are more likely to have serious symptoms and reach crisis situations.
- Men have been found to have a higher occurrence of hoarding disorder and women are more likely to seek help and accept help.
- Hoarding affects all cultures, income levels and educational levels.
- Most cluttered homes are not filled with garbage, and most individuals do not want to live in a cluttered environment.
The #1 barrier to treatment is the
stigma and misconception that surrounds
hoarding disorder.
Why can’t I tackle hoarding disorder on my own?
Most people struggling with hoarding disorder have attempted to do something about the clutter on their own, but became overwhelmed and gave up. Hoarding disorder necessitates treatment because of its complexity and underlying factors. The following are factors that can impact a person’s hoarding behavior and often need to be addressed with a professional before or during the de-cluttering process to ensure long lasting results:
- Experience with trauma
- Co-occurring mental health concerns such a depression, anxiety, OCD or PTSD
- Information processing problems such as difficulty making decisions or categorizing items for organization
- What gives the possessions meaning
What does the best treatment look like?
The first step in successful treatment is accepting help and being open to change. Above all else, treatment requires dedication and internal motivation. Hoarding disorder influences up to six wellness factors, including personal safety, social well-being, physical health, financial well-being, environmental safety, and mental health. The best treatment addresses all six factors.
Simultaneously treating each wellness factor is challenging, as each can be defined differently depending on the individual. Proper treatment methods need to be utilized, including behavioral health therapy, home coaching, and case management. Change is difficult for everybody; integration of the various treatment methods provides the best chance of success for somebody undergoing hoarding treatment.
Integration means treating each wellness factor separately, while working towards one larger goal. Treatment should ultimately be working towards helping an individual halt the influx of clutter, maintain de-cluttered areas, and raise and maintain their overall level of mental and environmental functioning
Trust between all members – client, providers, support – is necessary for success.
What not to do
Do not blame or shame those with hoarding disorder
> Do not throw away someone’s items without permission
> Do not take it personal when someone is upset and being defensive
> Do not give up. Offer help. Ultimately the person must be ready for change.