Biography
Biography: Satwant Singh
Abstract
Hoarding disorder or compulsive hoarding as it was previously known has until recently received little attention. However with the increased media attention and the introduction of Hoarding Disorder in the DSM V as a condition in its own right has increased in the awareness, understanding and identification of individuals with haording issues. The media has proved to be a double edge sword in both highlighting the disorder and increasing the stigma and discrimination of individuals with hoarding issues. Despite the increase in presentations within mental health services, there is a lack of a specific service available for the treatment of Hoarding Disorder. Hoarding Disorder presents a challenge for a range of professionals in dealing with this presentation due to its complexity and the impact it has on individuals, family and carers and the community at large. Limited research into this disorder has shown Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to be an effective intervention. However there is no specific treatment model. In our experience the treatment of hoarding issues requires a holistic approach combining both a cognitive behavioural and experiential interventions to address both the overt and covert underlying issues that individuals present with. In addition to helping individuals with hoarding issues reclaim their space attention needs to be given to assist individuals integrate back into soceity by reclaiming their life and building on their resilience.