New research has shed light on a significant association between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and hoarding behaviors.
The study, funded by the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust and published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found that individuals with ADHD are considerably more likely to exhibit hoarding behaviors, which can profoundly impact their quality of life.
This association highlights the potential presence of an unnoticed population of adults grappling with hoarding-related challenges.
Hoarding disorder is a recognized condition characterized by excessive accumulation, difficulty discarding items, and excessive clutter.
Individuals with this disorder may experience distress or difficulties in daily life, and it can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety.
Prior research on hoarding disorder primarily centered around older females who self-identify as hoarders and seek help later in life.
The new study aimed to explore hoarding behaviors in individuals with ADHD, a group not commonly associated with hoarding disorder.
The study recruited 88 participants from an adult ADHD clinic run by the Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
It revealed that 19% of the ADHD group exhibited clinically significant hoarding symptoms, with an average age in their 30s and an equal gender distribution.
Among the remaining 81% of the group, greater hoarding severity was observed, although it did not significantly impair their lives compared to the control group.
The research involved closely matching 90 adults from the general population without an ADHD diagnosis to the ADHD group. Only 2% of the control group exhibited clinically significant hoarding symptoms.
This pattern was further validated with a larger online sample of 220 UK adults, where only 3% of participants exhibited such symptoms.
Dr. Sharon Morein, the lead researcher and an Associate Professor in Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), emphasized that hoarding disorder extends beyond mere possession accumulation.
Those with diagnosed hoarding disorder fill their living spaces with excessive items and clutter, negatively affecting their daily functioning, quality of life, and mental health.
The study underscores that hoarding disorder is not confined to individuals later in life, which has been a primary focus of previous research.
It suggests that routine assessments for hoarding disorder should be conducted in individuals with ADHD, as they may not openly disclose associated difficulties despite the potential impact on their daily lives.
Additionally, individuals being treated for hoarding disorder may also have undiagnosed ADHD, highlighting the importance of awareness among clinicians and individuals with ADHD regarding this link.
The study’s findings reveal a significant connection between ADHD and hoarding behaviors, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, assessment, and potential long-term management strategies.
Recognizing this association could lead to improved support and outcomes for individuals affected by both ADHD and hoarding disorder.
If you care about ADHD, please read studies about 5 signs you have ADHD, not laziness, and new drug to reduce daydreaming, fatigue, and brain sluggishness in ADHD.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.
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