Preliminary investigation of objective and subjective experiences of relatives of individuals with hoarding behaviors

Abstract

Objective

Families of individuals with hoarding symptoms report substantial burden; however, there has been no investigation of potential positive experiences. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences reported by individuals with a relative with elevated hoarding symptoms using a cross-sectional design. The current investigation expands on the literature in this area by incorporating a detailed interview of experiences in conjunction with validated measures of hoarding symptomology.

Methods

Twenty-nine adults with relatives with elevated hoarding symptoms completed self-report measures of hoarding severity for themselves and their relative and a clinician-administered assessment of their experiences with their family member with hoarding symptoms.

Results

Participants endorsed significant burden across a range of areas, including permanent changes in their daily routine. The majority (93%) of participants reported at least one positive experience, with 69% endorsing companionship as a benefit of the relationship. Greater symptom severity of the relative with hoarding symptoms was associated with greater subjective burden and decreased positive experiences.

Conclusion

Our results add further evidence to the potential for interpersonal psychotherapy to lead to a reduction in hoarding symptomology.