Introduction to the Special Issue: Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a lifetime prevalence of 1%-2% and typically presents as a chronic condition with significant functional impairment. Comorbidity with OCD is the norm, with 90% of individuals with OCD also meeting diagnostic criteria for a co-occurring condition. Co-occurring conditions can complicate the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of OCD, such as by intensifying existing symptoms, obscuring differential diagnosis of phenotypically and functionally similar symptoms, and interfering with cognitive behavioral treatment. This two-part special issue reviews extant literature and provides expert advice on conceptualizing, assessing, treating, and researching OCD with co-occurring conditions of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, hoarding disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and illness anxiety disorder.

Health-related quality of life in hoarding: A comparison to chronic conditions with high disease burden.

Hoarding disorder often results in debilitating functional impairment and may also compromise health-related quality of life (QoL). This study investigated the association between hoarding behavior and QoL relative to six highly impairing medical and psychiatric disorders in a sample of 20,722 participants enrolled in the internet-based Brain Health Registry. Nearly 1 in 8 participants (12.2%) endorsed clinically relevant hoarding symptoms (CHS). In separate multivariable linear regression models, hoarding was more strongly associated with mental QoL than diabetes (Standardizedß = -0.21, 95% CI: [-0.22, -0.20] vs. -0.01 [-0.02, 0.0]), heart disease (-0.22 [-0.23, -0.20] vs. 0.00 [-0.02, 0.01]), chronic pain (-0.18 [-0.19, -0.16] vs. -0.12 [-0.13, -0.10]), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; -0.20 [-0.22, -0.19] vs. -0.07 [-0.09, -0.06]), and substance use disorder (SUD; -0.21 [-0.23, -0.20] vs. -0.04 [-0.05, -0.03]). Similarly, CHS was more strongly negatively associated with physical QoL than diabetes (-0.11 [-0.10, -0.12] vs. -0.08 [-0.06, -0.09]), major depressive disorder (-0.09 [-0.10, -0.08] vs. -0.05 [-0.06, 0.03]), PTSD (-0.11 [-0.12, -0.10] vs. -0.08 [-0.09, -0.07]), and SUD (-0.12 [-0.13, -0.09] vs. -0.01 [-0.02, 0.00]). Higher hoarding severity was associated with reductions in both mental (Standardizedß = -0.28, ΔR2 = 0.08, p < 0.0001) and physical (ß = -0.12, ΔR2 = 0.02, p < 0.0001) QoL, though the strength of the relationship between hoarding symptoms and QoL varied with depression severity. Efforts to improve the overall QoL and well-being of those with CHS are needed.

Internet-based hoarding assessment: The reliability and predictive validity of the internet-based Hoarding Rating Scale, Self-Report.

The Hoarding Rating Scale, Self Report (HRS-SR) is a 5-item assessment developed to ascertain the presence and severity of hoarding symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of an online adaptation of the HRS-SR in a remote, unsupervised internet sample of 23,214 members of the Brain Health Registry (BHR), an online research registry that evaluates and longitudinally monitors cognition, medical and psychiatric health status. Convergent validity was assessed among a sub-sample of 1,183 participants who completed additional, remote measures of self-reported hoarding behaviors. Structured clinical interviews conducted in-clinic and via video conferencing tools were conducted among 230 BHR participants; ROC curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic performance of the internet-based HRS-SR using best estimate hoarding disorder (HD) diagnoses as the gold standard. The area under the curve indicated near-perfect model accuracy, and was confirmed with 10-fold cross validation. Sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing clinically relevant hoarding were optimized using an HRS-SR total score cut-off of 5. Longitudinal analyses indicated stability of HRS-SR scores over time. Findings indicate that the internet-based HRS-SR is a useful and valid assessment of hoarding symptoms, though additional research using samples with more diverse hoarding behavior is needed to validate optimal cut-off values.

An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study Investigating the Function of Hoarding.

This study examined the function of hoarding behaviors and the relations between hoarding and a series of cognitive and affective processes in the moment using ecological momentary assessment. A matched-groups design was used to compare college students with higher hoarding symptoms (n = 31) and matched controls (n = 29). The two groups did not differ in what function they reported acquiring served, and positive automatic reinforcement was the most commonly reported function in both groups. Engaging in hoarding-relevant behaviors did not predict change in positive or negative affect when controlling for previous affect. Emotional reactivity and experiential avoidance in the moment were both elevated in the higher hoarding group compared to controls, while momentary mindfulness and negative affect differentiation were lower. Overall, these findings support the importance of emotion regulation processes in hoarding. They also suggest individuals may not be successfully regulating affect in the moment with hoarding behaviors, despite efforts to do so. It may be useful to evaluate processes such as striving for positive affect in hoarding disorder in the future.

Analysis of patients referred for aged care assessment with concerns related to hoarding or squalor.

Patients referred with concerns related to hoarding and squalor frequently pose significant management challenges. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 120 patients referred to an Aged Care Assessment Service. The hoarding only group comprised 27%, squalor only 15% and hoarding and squalor 53%. Mild cognitive impairment was the most common cognitive diagnosis, no cognitive diagnosis was made in 25% and the usual diagnostic process could not be followed in 13%. This analysis provides relevant Australian specific data to assist with planning service delivery for a group of patients with complex management issues.

Acumuladores de animais: instrumento de vistoria técnica e perfil de casos no município de Guarulhos, SP, Brasil / Animal hoarders: Technical inspection instrument and profilein the city of Guarulhos, SP, Brazil

O transtorno de acumulação de animais, é uma psicopatologia caracterizada pela aquisição de muitos animais mantidos em espaços inadequados, onde os cuidados básicos de saúde, alimentação e bem-estar são negligenciados. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil de acumuladores de animais no município de Guarulhos e elaborar um instrumento de coleta de dados para ser utilizado em vistoria técnica nestes casos. Foi realizado um levantamento e análise descritiva dos arquivos de casos de acumuladores de animais atendidos pelo serviço municipal. Dentre os 26 casos recebidos no período de 2012-2017, 12 (46,16%) eram referentes a casos de acumulação de animais. Estas ocorrências foram encaminhadas ao serviço de saúde como denúncias. Os dados obtidos, por meio das análises dos prontuários, foram refinados e, posteriormente, transcritos em planilhas considerando as variáveis de interesse, assim, facilitando o processo de interpretação. Para caracterizar o perfil dos casos de acumuladores, os dados adquiridos foram analisados por meio de cálculos de médias e frequências relativas. O perfil de acumuladores se caracterizou por mulheres, solteiras, idosas, desempregadas ou aposentadas, que residem sozinha em casa própria, portadoras de comorbidades ou fatores psicológicos associados, acumulando cães e gatos, especificamente, cães em sua maioria. O instrumento de vistoria em atenção a indivíduos em situação de acúmulo de animais proposto apresenta caracterização do indivíduo, ambiente, condições gerais dos animais e, ainda, indicadores de comprometimento de bem-estar animal ou maus-tratos.

Animal hoarding disorder is a psychopathy characterized by the acquisition of many animals that are kept in improper locations, in which the basic health care, feeding and well-being are neglected. The objective of this study was to characterize the profile of animal hoarders in the city of Guarulhos and to elaborate an instrument of data collection to be used in technical survey in cases of animal hoarding. Amongst the 26 cases analyzed, 12 (46,16%) were related to animal hoarding. These cases were sent to the health care service as denounces. Data obtained through analysis of medical records were refined and later transcribed into spreadsheets considering the variables of interest, thus facilitating the interpretation process. To characterize the profile of the hoarding cases, data were analyzed by means of calculations of means and relative frequencies. Hoarders profile is characterized as female, single, elderly, unemployed or retired, living alone at her own house, with associated comorbidities or psychological disorders, hoarding dogs and cats, specifically dogs in most cases. The proposed instrument presents characterization of the individual, environment, general conditions of the animals and also indicators of impairment of animal welfare or animal abuse.

The Role of Public Health in the Development of a Collaborative Agreement with Rural and Semi-urban Partners in Cases of Severe Domestic Squalor and Hoarding.

When confronted with complex situations of hoarding and severe domestic squalor, small municipal communities and their partners frequently feel overwhelmed due to limited resources at their disposal. Stakeholders often report these situations to Public Health Service and seek their support. In order to facilitate more effective and coordinated actions, the main stakeholders involved (municipal, fire, police, public health and the regional health center) must agree on the most appropriate intervention strategies. An agreement providing services for the management of severe cases of domestic squalor in rural and semi-urban areas located in Quebec, Canada was produced by the Laurentians regional public health, and signed with fourteen local municipalities.

A systematic review and quality assessment of psychological, pharmacological, and family-based interventions for hoarding disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Hoarding disorder (HD) affects at least 1.5% of the population and is considered to be hard to treat. The current study aimed to systematically review the treatments designed to improve HD symptoms and family impact. METHOD: Searches of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were undertaken. Studies were included if: (i) the study evaluated an intervention for hoarding problems; (ii) outcome measures were reported; and (iii) study results were published in an indexed journal or were a published abstract from a professional/research conference. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Clinical Trials Assessment Measure (CTAM). RESULTS: Twenty studies, comprising 492 participants with clinically significant hoarding symptoms or HD and 21 relatives of individuals with HD, met inclusion criteria. Treatments reviewed included cognitive-behavior therapy, medication, cognitive remediation, and multi-component interventions for relatives. Most studies yielded statistically significant improvements in hoarding symptoms, although reductions were generally modest and many participants remained in the clinical range after treatment. According to the CTAM, most studies were judged to be of low methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: HD is a chronic and highly burdensome condition for which efficacious treatments are needed. The current evidence base is somewhat limited and of low quality. Further research is needed to improve treatments, identify mechanisms of change, and increase the availability of evidence-based interventions for this group.

[Management of Uninhabitable Homes - Investigation of 186 Cases of Hoarding, Domestic Neglect and Squalor in Dortmund (Germany)]. / Der Dortmunder Vorschlag zum praktischen Vorgehen bei unbewohnbar gewordenen Wohnungen - Untersuchung von 186 Fällen von Vermüllung, Wohnungsverwahrlosung und pathologischem Horten (Messie-Syndrom).

OBJECTIVE: To develop an intervention concept for the management of uninhabitable homes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 186 cases of the community mental health service in Dortmund (Germany) presenting with a destitute situation of the domestic environment as core problem. RESULTS: All patients suffered from psychiatric illnesses, mainly from addiction (F1: 41 %), psychosis (F2: 17 %), depression (F3: 17 %), and hoarding disorder (F63.8: 12 %). Main socio-demographic characteristics of our sample are: middle age (45-65 years, 48 %), male gender (73 %), isolated situation (only 7 % married, 84 % living alone), normal schooling (only 4 % without completion of schooling, 7 % attended a school for special needs), after initial integration into employment nearly all patients suffered vocational disintegration (5 % employed, 44 % unemployment benefit, 7 % welfare, 39 % pension or invalidity benefit).Psychosocial interventions differed between the 4 main diagnostic groups: F1: treatment of dependence (rehab) and treatment of concomitant somatic diseases; F2: admission to a psychiatric hospital and implementation of guardianship; F3: mediation of conflicts with neighbours/landlords and implementation of guardianship; F63.8: direct practical help by members of the community mental health team and organisation of home help/waste disposal. In all diagnostic groups, acceptance of help was impaired due to social withdrawal, resistance and psychiatric symptoms. At 13 %, compliance with help and interventions was lowest in the hoarder group (F1: 27 %, F2: 26 %, F3: 38 %). Consequently, in this group the poor outcome categories "nothing accomplished" and "lost flat/eviction" were more frequent (44 %, F1: 27 %, F2: 26 %, F3: 38 %). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent to the deterioration of the domestic situation, patients suffer vocational disintegration as well as family and social isolation. Uninhabitable homes occur in the course of various severe and chronic psychiatric diseases. They don't constitute a syndrome and they are not characteristic for one specific diagnosis. It is important to recognise the underlying psychiatric disease as diagnosis influences acceptance of help, choice of appropriate interventions, outcome and prognosis. Tab. 1 shows our suggestion for a diagnosis differentiated approach, relating appearance of the home and behaviour of the patient to diagnosis, appropriate interventions and prognosis. Hard to reach is the group of hoarders. Patients with a psychotic illness and with hoarding disorder require implementation of long-term outreach help in their homes.

Assessment and treatment of hoarding disorder.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a brief selective review of the current literature regarding Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Hoarding Disorder, with an emphasis on its associated risks, assessment and management approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Hoarding disorder is defined by clear diagnostic criteria. It can be a severe and disabling disorder that can pose significant safety risks to the individual and to others. Management is often challenging, due to the poor level of insight that people with hoarding disorder often have. Psychological approaches tend to adapt cognitive-behavioural approaches, in order to specifically target areas such as impaired decision-making and motivation. Several trials of pharmacological agents have been conducted, but the limitations of these studies call for further research.

Caregiver burden, family accommodation, health, and well-being in relatives of individuals with hoarding disorder.

BACKGROUND: Hoarding Disorder (HD), a new diagnostic entity in DSM-5, is associated with substantial functional impairment and family frustration but data from well-characterized samples is lacking. METHOD: Participants were 37 individuals meeting DSM-5 criteria for HD, 55 relatives of individuals meeting criteria for HD, and comparison groups of 51 self-identified collectors and 25 relatives of collectors. All participants completed a clinician-administered diagnostic interview for HD and an online battery of standardized measures of health, well-being, and impairment. RESULTS: Substantial functional impairment was found for both HD individuals and their relatives. HD relatives reported significantly greater carer burden and accommodation of hoarding behaviors than relatives of collectors. Perceived level of squalor, co-habiting with, and increasing age of the HD individual were significant predictors of carer burden and functional impairment in the relatives. LIMITATIONS: The use of self-identified HD individuals may have produced a bias towards participants with relatively good insight. Subjective biases in self-reported symptoms cannot be ruled out, although the use of informant-report data provided some independent validation. CONCLUSIONS: HD is associated with substantial functional impairment for both sufferers and their relatives. The level of carer burden experienced by HD relatives was comparable to or greater than that reported in the literature by relatives of individuals with dementia. The findings indicate that relatives of individuals with HD may benefit from increased support and suggest that it may be beneficial to involve family members in the treatment of HD.

Photograph-aided assessment of clutter in hoarding disorder: is a picture worth a thousand words?

BACKGROUND: Clutter impeding the normal use of living spaces is a landmark feature of hoarding disorder (HD) but can also be present in other conditions. The assessment of clutter ideally requires home visits, although such assessments are sometimes not feasible. This study examined whether photographs from patients' homes can assist in the diagnostic process. METHODS: Thirty-two professionals with experience with hoarding cases were shown pictures from the inside of 10 houses and asked to decide whether the house belonged to a person with HD, a person with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or a healthy collector. Participants also rated different features of the room appearing in each picture (overall amount of possessions, tidiness, functionality, number of different classes of items, and cleanliness). RESULTS: Sensitivity for the HD and collectors' pictures was high, whereas sensitivity for the OCD pictures was substantially lower. Specificity was high for all groups. Rooms belonging to HD individuals were rated as significantly more cluttered, more untidy, less functional, containing a higher number of different classes of items, and being less clean than the rooms from the remaining groups. CONCLUSIONS: Photographs may be used to assist clinicians in determining the presence of clinically significant levels of clutter in the event a home visit is not feasible. Although differential diagnosis will usually not be possible from photographs alone, examination of certain characteristics of the environment might provide useful diagnostic clues. Combined with a thorough psychopathological interview, the use of photographs may increase the clinician's confidence in the diagnosis of HD.

Diagnosis and assessment of hoarding disorder.

The acquisition and saving of a large number of possessions that interfere with the use of living areas in the home are remarkably common behaviors that can pose serious threats to the health and safety of the affected person and those living nearby. Recent research on hoarding has led the DSM-5 Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum, Post-traumatic, and Dissociative Disorders Work Group to propose the addition of hoarding disorder to the list of disorders in the upcoming revision of the diagnostic manual. This review examines the research related to the diagnosis and assessment of hoarding and hoarding disorder. The proposed criteria appear to accurately define the disorder, and preliminary studies suggest they are reliable. Recent assessment strategies for hoarding have improved our understanding of the nature of this behavior. Areas in need of further research have been highlighted.

An exploration of economic reasoning in hoarding disorder patients.

Current models of hoarding disorder (HD) emphasize problems of decision-making. Evidence for neuropsychological impairment in HD, however, has been mixed. The present study examined whether HD patients show problems of economic reasoning that could be associated with decision-making problems. Forty-two HD patients, 29 obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, and 36 healthy control participants completed the Iowa gambling task (IGT), a computerized card playing game that assesses participants' ability to learn and utilize a rule of sacrificing short-term gain for long-term gain, and a cognitive dissonance reduction task that measured changes in preference for items (art prints) after selecting or rejecting them. Results showed no deficits on the IGT for HD participants, and no difference in dissonance reduction results after selecting or rejecting items on the dissonance reduction task. Furthermore, performance on these two tasks was unrelated to hoarding symptom severity or self-reported indecisiveness. It is suggested that the problems of cognitive processing in HD patients may be largely related to as-yet understudied processes, including idiosyncratic categorization problems for personally-owned items as well as other aspects of economic reasoning.