Hoarding disorder is characterized by an inability to part ways with unnecessary or unneeded items, leading to an anxiety-inducing accumulation of things at home. This can create interpersonal stress and anxiety among family members. Dr. Feinberg trained at length with patients suffering from hoarding disorder.
Typical Symptoms of Hoarding
- Difficulty discarding personal items: Individuals who hoard have a strong need to save items as well as anxiety related to discarding them.
- Accumulation of possessions: Due to difficulty discarding items, an individual may begin to accumulate possessions which leads to clutter. Clutter may impair the individual’s ability to use areas of the home as they are intended.
- Distress related to hoarding: Individuals who hoard often experience distress and anxiety throwing out items that they believe they may need or want in the future. Hoarding disorder can also lead to work impairment, impact physical health, and threaten the safety of the individual who hoards and their family.
Hoarding is Treatable
A combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure based interventions has been found to be effective in the treatment of Hoarding Disorder. CBT is a short-term (10-16 sessions) evidence-based treatment for hoarding disorder and relies on the examination of an individual’s thoughts and behaviors which maintain hoarding. Contact us today to see if CBT will be a good fit for you!