Social work 3.2 Hoarding

Hoarding Disorder

A mental health condition characterized by the excessive collection of unneeded items, difficulty discarding possessions, and significant distress associated with discarding items.

DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, a classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose psychiatric disorders.

Collaborative Effort

Involving both public and private agencies working together to raise public awareness, reduce community impact, provide early intervention, and develop best practices for hoarding disorder.

Key Characteristics

Features of hoarding disorder include difficulty discarding items, acquiring excess items, organizational problems, and a strong emotional attachment to possessions.

Multifaceted Nature

Hoarding disorder involves various aspects such as information processing, emotional attachment, mistaken beliefs about possessions, behavioral avoidance, and underlying beliefs about possessions.

Prevalence

Hoarding disorder is found in the elderly and lower socioeconomic groups, with estimates suggesting it may affect 1 out of 50 people, with men exhibiting hoarding behaviors more frequently than women.

Harm Reduction Model (HRM)

A model that acknowledges abstinence may not always be possible and aims to minimize adverse consequences through positive motivation for change in small steps.

Five Levels of Hoarding

Classifications ranging from minor clutter to significant structural damage, focusing on structure, household functions, pets and rodents, and sanitation and cleanliness.

Tips for Addressing Hoarding Disorder

Strategies include dividing living spaces into small areas, setting short-term goals, providing clear expectations, using objective standards, and avoiding judgment while working with the individual.

Stressors

Legal issues, eviction, divorce, etc

Level 1

Minor clutter, Doorways and stairs are accessible, Like a busy week

Level 2

One exit is blocked, Major appliances don't work, Some pet odor, Clutter may inhibit use of a room, Limited evidence of housekeeping

Level 3

Visual clutter, Indoor items stored outdoors, Minor structural damage, Excessive pets, Small amounts of hazardous waste, Bathroom unusable, Narrow hallway

Level 4

Structural damage, Mild or mildew, Hazardous electoral wiring, Excessive pets with poor care, Bedroom unusable, Rotting food, No clean dishes or utensils

Level 5

Significant structural damage, Electrical, sewage and or water disruption, Fire hazard, Infestation, Huma defecation, Rotting food

What doesnt work for hoarding

Quick clean outs not effective, Throwing things away in secret or lying to hoarder, Forced discarding often increases distrust of others and increases attachment, May cause increased collecting a fear of losing items increase