Many people are aware of the disabling effect that compulsive hoarding has on the lives of some people. Just ask anyone who lives with a person afflicted with this condition.
The condition is characterized by the accumulation of excessive possessions. In some cases entire homes become filled with clutter. Compulsive hoarding often occurs in patients with diseases such as Schizophrenia and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders.
Many experts have come to believe that the best remedy for compulsive hoarding is cognitive behavioral therapy.
How Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy a Treatment for Compulsive Hoarding?
Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a practical, hands on approach to counseling. Therapists will often visit patients' homes and work with them at a level beyond just talking. The goal is to teach people how to think clearly and make their own logical decisions.
At the base of compulsive hoarding is usually an inability for the patient to process information. An example would be when they try and decide what possessions are valuable and which are not. It is important to realize that they may have extremely powerful attachments to certain objects for no logical reason. Curing them is not as simple as explaining to them why they should get rid of something.
What Process Does the Therapist Follow to Treat Compulsive Hoarding?
Patients may feel very anxious or upset when confronted with the possibility of discarding their items. The therapist will help them to confront the things they are afraid of to help diminish the fear. Getting to the bottom of their illogical fears may take some time and lead down unexpected paths. It often takes several sessions to achieve this.
People afflicted with compulsive hoarding also need to be taught healthier ways of dealing with uncomfortable situations. The therapist will achieve this by attempting to dissect the way they think in certain situations. They will then devise a strategy, in conjunction with the patient, for changing this thought process.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Differ From Other Compulsive Hoarding Treatments?
The distinguishing feature of cognitive behavioral therapy is that it goes beyond merely teaching the patient why he feels anxious. The goal is to teach the patient how to feel less anxious. By going into the home of the patient they can deal directly with the problem instead in an isolated office location.
The benefits of cognitive therapy may take a longer time to be noticed. This is offset by a lack of unwanted side effects. The positive effects should also continue for some time after the therapy is completed.
How to Begin Treatment For Compulsive Hoarding?
People with compulsive hoarding conditions do not often recognize that they have a problem. It is usually not the hoarder who instigates the treatment. Family members or close friends often push the patient into seeking outside help. It is also not uncommon for frustrated landlords, tired of the horrible clutter, to become aware of the problem.
The tendency to hoard is often one that has built up over the lifetime of a person. He often learned the habits off other family members. They do not usually accept that they have a problem and concerned relatives can have a hard time persuading them to accept treatment.
It is important to realize that not all patients are cured with this form of treatment. Many therapists offer other methods and have success with those. Anyone living with this affliction or concerned about someone else should definitely consider this remedy but keep an open mind regarding all treatments.
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