Understanding Hoarding

Description

Hoarding can make life a misery for individuals and their families, affecting health and lifestyle, and posing a significant risk of fire and other dangers. Research suggests that 25% of accidental domestic fire deaths involve hoarding. Hoarding affects the whole family, making it difficult to receive social visits and in extreme cases, affecting living space and basic freedoms such as space in which to do homework or even sleep. Other challenges in hoarded homes can include restricted entry and exit, difficulties gaining access to gas and electricity areas, water leaks, mould, and rat and other infestations. Financial implications may include not having access to paperwork, leading to unpaid bills and other complications. Previously viewed as part of obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder was recognised as a mental health disorder in its own right within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in May 2013. This book aims to help those who are affected by hoarding difficulties, including friends and family. Topics include: What is Hoarding Disorder - the five diagnostic criteria What triggers hoarding - abuse, bereavement, childhood issues, and so on Who can help a hoarder and how to help How to assess clutter Why an intense clear-out doesn't work Taking steps to deal with it - an 8-step plan Where does my stuff go? Safeguarding - working with local councils and social services Therapies and resources Case histories 1 What is hoarding disorder?......Page 15 2 Why do people hoard?......Page 29 3 Seeing the problem: learning to visualize clutter......Page 43 4 Decluttering techniques and tips......Page 45 5 How to help someone who hoards......Page 53 6 Sustainability – keeping it clear......Page 66 7 Where does my stuff go?......Page 71 8 Helpful therapies......Page 78 9 The professionals’ perspective......Page 91 10 The voice of the hoarder......Page 103 Useful addresses......Page 111 Further reading......Page 115 Search terms......Page 116