Digging out: Can we help people with hoarding disorder? With Mary E. Dozier, PhD

This episode explores hoarding disorder, defining it as a distinct mental illness characterized by difficulty discarding items and excessive clutter that impairs the use of living spaces. Dr. Mary Dozier explains that hoarding was officially recognized in the DSM in 2013 and is associated with reward pathways in the brain, often manifesting as an amplified sense of accomplishment from acquiring items. Against the backdrop of diagnostic criteria, the discussion pivots to prevalence, noting it affects about 2% of the general population, increasing to 7% in older adults, and is often comorbid with ADHD and major depression. More significantly, the conversation addresses treatment approaches, including in-home motivational interviewing to help individuals sort and discard items based on their values, and the potential pitfalls of involuntary cleanouts, which can be traumatic and ineffective. As the discussion progresses, Dr. Dozier highlights the importance of compassion and gradual intervention when assisting loved ones, cautioning against forceful approaches. Ultimately, this exploration of hoarding disorder underscores the need for understanding, evidence-based treatment, and destigmatization to improve the lives of those affected.