Navigating Self-Help Advice

In today's episode, we'll be delving into things that look like hoarding but aren't. Joining me is the incredible Dr. Jan Eppingstall, a specialist in hoarding disorder.

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk

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We explore the how to determine if someone has hoarding tendencies, shedding light on hoarding and its connections to other mental health conditions, such as OCD and OCPD. We'll discuss the criteria for these disorders and how they relate to hoarding behaviors. But hoarding is just the tip of the iceberg. We'll also explore the relationship between hoarding, autism, ADHD, and depression, uncovering the common symptoms and challenges in these overlapping conditions.

So, join us as we discuss things that may look like hoarding but aren't.

Understanding the cause of hoarding behaviours

OCD and OCPD are mental disorders characterized by anxiety and rigid personality traits. Hoarding was associated with OCPD

Overlap of symptoms

Depression makes daily tasks exhausting and meaningless

Autism and ADHD: understanding and terminology

Often mask to fit in

Recognise sensory needs, respect neurodivergence, ask questions

Rejection sensitive dysphoria, impulsiveness, and addiction in ADHD

Understanding the causes of hoarding behaviours is important

OCD and OCPD are mental disorders. OCD causes anxiety and impairs functioning. OCPD is a personality disorder with rigid traits

Hoarding was considered a subtype of OCPD

People with OCPD may not see their behaviours as problematic and may exhaust themselves trying to meet unrealistic standards

Do individuals feel responsible for the welfare of objects, are they emotionally attached to them, do they experience distress from clutter or the act of saving?

A potential opposite extreme of compulsive minimalism

Feeling exhausted and worthless, maintaining a tidy house becomes unimportant. A depression nest forms

Hoarding often starts at a young age. Time and untreated depression can worsen it

Bipolar disorder

Increased understanding and awareness leading to more assessments.

Women are often overlooked

Understanding and accommodating individuals with neurodivergence is important

Sensory needs and routines may vary

ADHD is highly heritable but can also be influenced by environmental stressors and trauma

Variable attention stimulus trait

Creating your own options and not being afraid of failure in self-help

ADHD, depression, and hoarding often co-occur

Other conditions like OCD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, bulimia, binge eating, gambling, and personality disorders can be linked to hoarding

Treatment is challenging but not impossible

Definitions and criteria for hoarding tendencies

Compulsive spartanism

Differences and similarities between OCD and OCPD

Criteria for OCPD based on Freud

Hoarding originally considered a subtype of OCPD

Labels and understanding underlying needs

Focus on purpose rather than the diagnosis

Unrealistic standards and exhaustion from trying to meet them

Sensitive dysphoria and euphoria

Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted in daily life

Accepting help without distress or shame

Depression nests

Relationship between ADHD, depression, and hoarding

OCD, generalized anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, and personality disorders

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