“More psychological support is vital for those with hoarding disorder,” says BPS

The British Psychological Society is calling for greater psychological support to be offered to those diagnosed with hoarding disorder. 

The call is one of several recommendations listed in BPS's updated guidance, A Psychological Perspective on Hoarding, published this week.

Co-author Dr Stuart Whomsley, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society said: 

"People who are diagnosed with hoarding disorder can experience serious psychological challenges which can often have a knock-on effect and lead to feelings of loneliness. For example, they can feel uneasy about hosting visitors and often choose not to do so as a result. They then don't wish to visit other people's homes as they know they'll have to reciprocate. It can be a vicious circle. 

"Hoarding disorder must be recognised as a psychological condition in its own terms. The BPS is therefore calling for those who suffer from hoarding difficulties to have a psychological assessment from the outset and included as part of the care they are offered."

Previous research shows that people who suffer from hoarding difficulties are more likely to be lonely. Published in the British Psychological Society's Journal of Clinical Psychology, the study found there is a direct link to an increased likeliness of loneliness and social isolation if also diagnosed with hoarding disorder¹.

Another study of a group of people with hoarding disorder found that 48 per cent lived alone, 48 per cent said family and friends never visited, 33 per cent allowed no one into their home, 55 per cent reported phoning a family member or friend at least nine times a month.²

To help combat these issues, the BPS's updated guidance is aimed at practitioner psychologists to support those with the condition.  

Dr Whomsley, continued: 

"This updated resource equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate the challenges of hoarding disorder. 

"For too long, psychological support has been too slow to reach those with hoarding difficulties. That's why a psychological assessment needs to be offered right from the off as part of the care they receive. Hoarding disorder also merits its own specialist psychologically led service."

The BPS is also calling for the implementation of a national government strategy to understand how far-reaching the issue of hoarding disorder is across the country. 

Dr Whomsley concluded: 

"A joined-up approach between the NHS, housing associations, the fire service and local authorities is vital so people with hoarding disorders can get the support they need as quickly as possible." 

A Psychological Perspective on Hoarding is now available from BPS Explore (free download) and for paperback purchase from Amazon.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1 Edwards, V., Salkovskis, P.M. & Bream, V. (2023). Do they really care? Specificity of social support issues in hoarding disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62, 573–591. https://doi. org/10.1111/bjc.12426PM

2 Davidson, E,J., Dozier, M.E., Mayes, T.L., Baer, K.A. & Ayers, C.R. (2020). Family and social functioning in adults with hoarding disorder. Children Australia. 2020;45(3), 159–163. doi:10.1017/cha.2020.20