How is compulsive hoarding treated?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Since compulsive hoarding behavior is sometimes a symptom of another mental health condition, treatment usually involves measures that work for that specific condition. Treatment regimes for OCD, depression, or other mental health conditions, for example, might keep compulsions in check if the behavior is a symptom of that condition. But not all hoarders can be categorized that way and successful treatment of hoarding is notoriously difficult.
Some people will gain better control when they combine antidepressant or antianxiety medications with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a method that slowly and systematically retrains the brain to react more appropriately to stressful situations. Over time the sufferer eventually learns that no harm will come to them if they throw something away.
Hoarders can also work with a professional organizer who can offer ways to categorize, store, sort, donate, and discard belongings.
Since compulsive hoarding behavior is sometimes a symptom of another mental health condition, treatment usually involves measures that work for that specific condition. Treatment regimes for OCD, depression, or other mental health conditions, for... More -
Dr. Charles Sophy answered:Some people will gain better control when they combine antidepressant or antianxiety medications with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a method that slowly and systematically retrains the brain to react more appropriately to stressful situations.
Hoarders can also work with a professional organizer who can offer ways to categorize, store, sort, donate, and discard belongings.
Some people will gain better control when they combine antidepressant or antianxiety medications with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a method that slowly and systematically retrains the brain to react more appropriately to stressful... More -
Dr. Marla Deibler answered:Although some individuals with compulsive hoarding respond to antidepressant medication, many individuals do not. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy has been demonstrated to be helpful in the treatment of compulsive hoarding, which involves helping individuals to change they way they think about and make decisions about their possessions in order to control the behavior. This process involves behavioral assessment, psychoeducation, exposure/response prevention, cognitive restructuring, and excavation exposure.
Although some individuals with compulsive hoarding respond to antidepressant medication, many individuals do not. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy has been demonstrated to be helpful in the treatment of compulsive hoarding, which involves helping... More
