Hoarding Treatment

There are many ways in treating many psychiatric problems. In patients with compulsive hoarding syndrome many treatment methods were introduced. The first line of hoarding treatment is said to be the cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT is considered to be successful in treating individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy includes thought-stopping and positive self-talk. These therapy is said to be very effective to persons who suffer from compulsive hoarding. Another suggested treatment for individuals with hoarding syndrome is with the use of the pharmacological treatment. Out of the many psychopharmacologic drugs, the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs are said to be the most effective drug to treat the said disorder. Particularly, Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are some of the common drug being administered. Studies showed that a great number of individuals with the hoarding syndrome responded well to theses said medications. Furthermore, these drugs are taken with high doses and are to be taken for at least three months or as the doctor prescribe. There’s another drug group that is used as treatment for patients with hoarding syndrome, and that is the Tricyclic Antidepressants or the TCAs. The TCAs greatly affects the mechanism of serotonin in the body, therefore making the individual relieved from any form of depression. An example of TCAs that is being given to hoarders is Anafril (clomipramine). A strict compliance to these medications is a must since it will have adverse effects once there is non-compliance or the person has abruptly stopped in taking these drugs. Persons with hoarding syndrome can join in any self-help support groups. It is also a form of hoarding treatment. Members in these groups should have set goals or plans and should be supported by the group members. An open discussion should be made because it can help hoarders vent out their feelings and eventually will start clearing out their houses. The family’s support of this kind of individuals is greatly needed. They should take part in the treatment of their family member. A big don’t for a family member to do is clear out the hoarder’s possessions. It will just make the person even more miserable and they will most likely be traumatized, angry, and they may feel being betrayed. This will even result to a family break down. Moreover, persons with hoarding syndrome have difficulty in decision-making. Decision-making in terms of whether to keep their possessions or not, as well as problems in organizing and categorizing their things. Hoarding treatment on this is focused on teaching effective decision-making skills, organizing and sorting. Many people question why hoarders keep on acquiring or keeping unnecessary possessions. Hoarders would usually answer they have a strong attachment to these things, making it difficult for them to discard it. So the intervention for this is somewhat focused on cognitive restructuring, thus finding out the reason of getting rid of the objects. Awareness is still the key to the successfulness of any form of treatment. People who are not aware of their condition will most likely withdraw or even not commit themselves into treatment. Most people who have deficient knowledge cause them not to seek any treatment. So primarily, in order to prevent or treat hoarding syndrome, health education is the best form of hoarding treatment.