A team of experts from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has published guidance to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing hoarding disorder accurately.
Hoarding disorder, a largely misunderstood mental health condition that affects around 2% of the population, was only formally recognized when added to the International Classification of Diseases in 2019.
The new guidance, featured in the British Journal of General Practice, aims to help health professionals identify the signs of hoarding disorder and take appropriate intervention steps.
Understanding Hoarding Disorder
Hoarding disorder is characterized by excessive clutter in living spaces, an overwhelming need for acquisition, and difficulty discarding possessions.
This condition can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
It often becomes apparent when patients seek assistance for other mental health or physical conditions and can act as a barrier to treatment due to concerns about hygiene, safety, or access to the home.
Common comorbidities associated with hoarding disorder include depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Guidance Authors’ Insights
Dr. Sharon Morein and Dr. Sanjiv Ahluwalia of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) authored the guidance. Dr. Morein, the leader of the ARU Possessions and Hoarding Collective, emphasized the importance of labeling hoarding disorder as a diagnosable medical condition.
Early recognition of the disorder is crucial, as it often occurs alongside other health issues.
“Labels can be very useful in the healthcare system and can be the first stage for people receiving the support they need,” said Dr. Morein.
“It is really important that doctors and other frontline healthcare professionals are aware that hoarding disorder is a diagnosable medical condition and that it is usually linked to other issues so that proper support can be offered.”
Challenges in Recognizing Hoarding Disorder
Hoarding disorder tends to develop gradually, and individuals may not realize they have a problem.
Often, sufferers do not seek help themselves, and the condition becomes evident to medical professionals when other issues are presented. The guidance aims to improve early detection and provide timely support.
Upcoming Conference
To raise awareness and provide better support for individuals with hoarding disorder, the ARU Possessions and Hoarding Collective is hosting a free conference on May 10th at ARU’s Cambridge campus.
The event will feature expert speakers who will address various aspects of the disorder and the latest support strategies.
It is intended for service providers, those affected by others’ hoarding behavior, and individuals struggling with hoarding themselves.
Conclusion
The newly published guidance offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals in recognizing and diagnosing hoarding disorder. Early identification can lead to more timely support and intervention.
The ARU Possessions and Hoarding Collective’s upcoming conference aims to further raise awareness and improve the understanding of hoarding disorder, ultimately enhancing support for affected individuals and their families.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
The research findings can be found in the British Journal of General Practice.
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