Incorporating specific practices such as scheduled contact, email can be a highly effective tool in the ongoing treatment and support of patients with hoarding disorder. It can assist patients in working toward recovery at their own pace while ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey.
Understanding hoarding disorder
Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition where people find it very hard to throw away possessions, regardless of their value. This difficulty comes from a strong need to save these items and the distress that comes with the idea of letting them go. As a result, their homes become cluttered to the point where they can't use their living spaces as intended.
The exact cause of hoarding disorder isn't known, but it's thought to involve a mix of genetic, brain, and environmental factors. An American Psychiatric Association blog post on the topic outlines specific symptoms such as,
“Persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
This difficulty is due to a perceived need to save the items and the distress associated with discarding them.
The difficulty of discarding possessions results in the accumulation of possessions that congest and clutter active living areas and substantially compromise their intended use. If living areas are uncluttered, it is only because of the interventions of third parties (e.g., family members, cleaners, or the authorities).”
The nature of hoarding disorder treatment
Treatment for hoarding disorder mainly involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps individuals gradually learn to let go of unnecessary items without much distress. This method effectively reduces their overwhelming urge to keep possessions by improving skills like organization, decision-making, and relaxation. Mental health professionals such as therapists and psychologists lead these treatment sessions, tailoring interventions to each person's specific needs.
Though CBT is quite effective, not everyone completely overcomes their hoarding behaviors with therapy alone. In such cases, medications like paroxetine, venlafaxine, and methylphenidate may also be used to help alleviate symptoms. These medications are usually considered when therapy hasn’t fully addressed the symptoms. These drugs are limited, so they’re typically recommended only after trying more established treatments.
In severe cases where hoarding creates health or safety risks, healthcare providers, public health, and animal welfare agencies can be necessary. These agencies can help manage the cleanup and provide ongoing support to those affected. Various assessment tools, such as the Hoarding Rating Scale Interview and Clutter Image Rating, are also used to gauge the severity of the disorder and monitor progress throughout treatment.
The uses of email in maintaining treatment efficacy
- Establish a routine schedule for patients to send updates via email. This could be weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the severity of the disorder and the stage of treatment.
- Develop templates for patients to use when sending updates. These templates might include specific questions or prompts about the number of items discarded, new acquisitions, emotional challenges, and the physical state of their living spaces.
- Ensure responses are prompt, encouraging, and constructive. Quick feedback can reinforce positive behavior, provide necessary corrections, or offer emotional support.
- Clearly communicate the purpose, privacy, and boundaries related to email communication.
- Use HIPAA compliant email software to protect patient privacy.
- Encourage patients to send photos of their progress (e.g., before and after photos of a decluttered space). Visual evidence can be motivating for the patient and informative for the therapist.
- Use email to reinforce goals set during therapy sessions. Reminding patients of their long-term objectives and the steps they agreed to take can keep them focused and motivated.
- Given that setbacks can be part of the treatment process for hoarding disorder, use emails to manage expectations and provide emotional support. Acknowledge the difficulties, celebrate small victories, and remind patients of the progress they have made.
See also: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services
FAQs
What is CBT?
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals change negative patterns of thinking or behavior to improve their emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies.
What does the term mental health practitioner mean?
A mental health practitioner is a professional who diagnoses, treats and helps prevent mental and emotional disorders through various forms of therapy and medication.
Why do treatment emails have to be HIPAA compliant?
Treatment emails must be HIPAA compliant to make sure that any protected health information (PHI) shared is protected and securely handled.
Kirsten Peremore
