Self-Help Group for Hoarding Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how a self-help group might assist people with hoarding disorder, characterized by difficulty discarding items and excessive collecting. Participants will join a guided group to work on reducing hoarding behaviors over time. The goal is to determine if group participation can lessen hoarding symptoms. Individuals may be suitable for this trial if hoarding challenges their daily life and they do not have certain other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or substance dependence. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding and improving support for hoarding disorder.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this self-help group is safe for participants?
Studies have shown that guided self-help groups can be safe and effective for people with hoarding disorder. Research by Frost and colleagues in 2011 found that participants in a 13-week support group experienced significant reductions in their hoarding symptoms. This finding suggests that the approach is well-received and does not pose major safety concerns.
Moreover, support groups for hoarding have been compared to more formal treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The results indicate similar improvement rates in hoarding symptoms, demonstrating that self-help groups can be a safe alternative to traditional therapy options.
Overall, current research indicates that guided self-help groups are safe. Participants generally find relief from symptoms without significant risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard treatments for hoarding disorder, which often involve individual therapy and medication, the self-help group approach offers a unique, community-based intervention. This method empowers participants by providing peer support and shared experiences, which can be more relatable and encouraging than traditional therapy settings. Researchers are excited because this group format has been shown to be an effective intervention and can increase accessibility to treatment, potentially reaching individuals who might not engage in or have access to one-on-one therapy.
What evidence suggests that a self-help group is effective for hoarding disorder?
Studies have shown that self-help groups can effectively treat hoarding disorder. Research indicates that peer-led group therapy can help as many people with hoarding disorder as professional-led therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a common treatment for this condition. Specifically, group therapy resulted in a 32% improvement in hoarding behaviors by the end of treatment. This trial will evaluate a facilitated self-help group, an empirically supported intervention for hoarding, suggesting it could be a promising way to reduce hoarding symptoms.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kiara R Timpano, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Miami
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with clinically significant hoarding symptoms. It's not suitable for those under 18 or people dealing with psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Treatment
Participants prepare for the self-help group intervention
Treatment
Participants take part in a facilitated self-help group for hoarding disorder
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in hoarding symptoms after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Self-Help Group
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Miami
Lead Sponsor