Intervention in compulsive hoarding. A case study.
Historically, the compulsive hoarding of possessions has been examined in the context of other obsessive-compulsive disorders. More recently, researchers have begun to explore compulsive hoarding as a separate and distinct syndrome. The cognitive behavioral model proposed by Frost and Hartl suggests that deficits in information processing, emotional attachment problems, behavioral avoidance, and beliefs about the nature of possessions are important components in understanding compulsive hoarding. This article presents a case study of a successful intervention with a compulsive hoarder that addresses each of the components proposed in the model. Implications for future interventions are discussed.
Cermele
J A
JA
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, University Behavioral Health Care, Piscataway, NJ, USA. jcermele@drew.edu
Melendez-Pallitto
L
L
Pandina
G J
GJ
D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009769:Object Attachment; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*