Up Until Recently, Hoarding Has Been Classified As A Subtype

Up until recently, hoarding has been classified as a subtype of obsessive compulsive disorder. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 )has now included a separate diagnostic entry for hoarding. Hoarding Disorder affects anywhere from 3-6% of the general population (Allan, et. al. 2015). Hoarding is defined as â€Å"the acquisition and inability to let go of a large number of possessions, resulting in clutter that precludes the use of living spaces for their intended purposes† (Chong, et. al. 2014). In addition to being associated with obsessive compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder has been linked to all three dimensions of depression (Allan, et. al. 2015). This disorder has been shown to have a large impact†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, these individuals may hold a significant sentimental attachment to numerous objects. This often leads to clutter and disorganization within the hoarders’ household. Hoarding is further br oken down by four major elements. These key elements are as follows: excessive acquiring, failure to discard possessions, clutter, and distress and impairment due to hoarding (Gillam, Tolin, 2010). Hoarders acquire their possessions in a multitude of ways. These ways include compulsive buying, attainment of free objects, and in severe cases, stealing. Individuals oftentimes spend hours looking for objects to bring back home. Those who hoard describe the procurement of objects as very exciting and even report feeling frugal because of their finds. Certain hoarding individuals also find enjoyment out of hunting for new objects to bring back home. In addition, these same individuals also report feeling discomfort and agitation when trying to refrain from buying objects. Those with hoarding disorder feel that the attainment of objects brings them positive emotions similar to those one may experience when they have impulse control disorders like gambling. Individuals with hoarding diso rder have difficulties throwing out things that the general population would view as garbage or unusable. Similar to the general population, who hates being wasteful or throwing away objects that may be useful in the future,Show MoreRelatedOcd - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment131367 Words   |  526 PagesUniversity of London, England. Dr. Clark has published numerous articles on cognitive theory and therapy of depression and obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD), and is a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is coauthor, with Aaron T. Beck, of Scientific Foundations of Cognitive Theory and Therapy of Depression and coeditor, with Mark Reinecke, of Cognitive Therapy across the Lifespan: Evidence and Practice. Drs. Clark and Beck recently developed the Clark–Beck Obsessive–Compulsive