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.
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).”
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.
See also: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services
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.
A mental health practitioner is a professional who diagnoses, treats and helps prevent mental and emotional disorders through various forms of therapy and medication.
Treatment emails must be HIPAA compliant to make sure that any protected health information (PHI) shared is protected and securely handled.