Hoarding and ADHD

It seems like hoarding is finally coming out of the closet - and spilling across table tops, filling up spaces under the bed, and covering the hallways. Although there are now television shows about clutterers and hoarding, most mental health experts believe the condition still goes under-reported and under-treated. Patients are often reluctant to talk about their situation, because of shame, but also sometimes from lack of insight into the problems caused by their hoarding.
For years hoarding was simply considered an aspect of either obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, or of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But in 2013 hoarding was officially declared a separate condition, after numerous studies failed to find much in common with basic OCD traits. Subsequent research has shown that ADHD, is the condition most closely associated with hoarding, in particular, inattentive ADHD traits. Hoarders also have depression and anxiety at higher rates that the general population.
Treatments for hoarding have not been extensively investigated. Cognitive-behavioral therapies remain the most frequently recommended treatment, often modified with Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Compassion Focused, and evolutionary psychology approaches. Peer support, often labeled a “clutter buddy”, or “body doubling” appears to be one of the most effective strategies for addressing hoarding. A few, very small studies suggest that SSRI, stimulants, and non-stimulant ADHD medications might provide benefit for some individuals.
References:
Elevated levels of hoarding in ADHD: A special link with inattention (2022)
www.sciencedir...
Who really hoards? Hoarding symptoms in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls (2023)
www.sciencedir...
Treating hoarding disorder with compassion-focused therapy: A pilot study examining treatment feasibility, acceptability, and exploring treatment effects (2020)
pubmed.ncbi.nl...
Hoarding Disorder and a Systematic Review of Treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2016)
www.tandfonlin...
Pharmacotherapy for Hoarding Disorder: How did the Picture Change since its Excision from OCD? (2019)
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
General:
Psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author John Kruse, MD, PhD presents practical, actionable, well-researched information about treatment options that scientists and clinicians recommend for adult ADHD and other mental health conditions. Subscribe if you're curious about how neuro-atypical brains can optimize their functioning in our shared, and somewhat strange, world.
Dr. Kruse has posted talks in both the "live" and the "video" sections of this channel. Thumbnails on ADHD topics have a pink background, and those on more general mental health topics have a purple background. A small collection of ADHD-Trump videos have an orange background.
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[@maybee7126]

Nightmare to love live with and be married decades to a horder. So I'm the one in therapy to learn how to cope, and try to set clear limits and boundaries. This is hard because he feels threatened and agitated if you talk about his treasures. Meanwhile he is aging and falling into cognative decline but i have successfully reclaimed the kitchen and moved to my own bedroom. Juice bottles, shiney lids from cans, it's always "i have an idea for these". Paths through the house. Paths through the garage. Walls of chaos. He is not a bad person. But he is now approaching being hazhardous to his own health and safety. Can't find stuff so he repurchases. Just tragic and sad. Aging and loving someone with these difficulties is painful and limits enjoyment of life. Thank God for counselors! At least someone understands!

[@DrJohnKruse]

I'm glad that you reached out for help and support.

[@Linusrox123]

By the way, much love to your sweet lil' old doggie

[@DrJohnKruse]

I'll let Mr. Cupcake know that he got a thumbs up.

[@mebeasensei]

I love your channel. I collected used bank books for 20 years. Then, finally, I took a shredder home and shredded them. Then, two weeks later, my employer asked to confirm many deductions. I couldn't tell them anything as I destroyed the records. Not that I check much anyway. I kept payslips for ten years without even opening or checking them.

[@Linusrox123]

SO Appreciate this, and all your videos!
I have been studying hoarding for many years while trying to address my own - which seems in my case seems to be things I "might need" rather than sentimental. Ive had executive dysfunction/ADD for 65 years. I've taken and can recommend the Buried In Treasures webinars and have read every book on the subject. The thought that This is one subject I would love to see explored in depth and at length. I have been Commenting on Huberman Lab videos for ages that this would be a great subject for one of those 2 hour segments citing many sources of research.

[@pattyw9543]

Thanks for another video with great information that is not found anywhere else! Much appreciated!

[@olic7266]

Do you know what the relationship between skin-picking and ADHD? Have you done a video on this topic?

[@DrJohnKruse]

I do know of any strong link between the two, but I will look into it, and if I find enough to report then I'll make a video.

[@Moon-Labs]

I don't hoard, I just forget to throw things away or hit the wall of awful

[@Moon-Labs]

I also think part of it is you.get or buy stuff to do, and don't get round to it.... then keep it as you really really hope someday it might get done

[@DrJohnKruse]

You're highlighting why ADHD and hoarding are closely connected.

[@Moon-Labs]

@@DrJohnKruse sorry Dr John, but I only watched a fraction of video and didn't get to that bit.....;) However, whilst I have your attention, I'd just like to thankyou from the bottom of my heart for your work. Your content has been invaluable for me and I've watched many many of the others videos. Thankyou Dr John.

[@Moon-Labs]

The irony of not watching the Full video ey ;)