Everything You Need to Know About Hoarding

Are you or someone you know struggling with hoarding disorder, feeling ashamed or guilty about your belongings, and afraid to let them go? It's more common than you might think, affecting up to 6% of the general population. But despite its prevalence, seeking help can be challenging. This new book provides a clear description of hoarding, exploring it as a symptom of other issues as well as a condition in its own right. You'll learn about different treatment options and find step-by-step guidance and tools for recovery in the self-help section. Personal narratives and case studies make this guide accessible and relatable for those affected by hoarding, as well as their loved ones and health professionals. Don't let hoarding disorder control your life - take the first step towards recovery today with this invaluable resource.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. When does hoarding arise?; 3. Hoarding disorder; 4. Animal hoarding; 5. Obsessive compulsive disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality hoarding disorder and how they interact; 6. Hoarding in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and impulse control issues; 7. Treatment of hoarding disorder: medication; 8. Treatment of hoarding disorder: psychological approaches; 9. What about the law and hoarding?; 10. How can someone with hoarding disorder help themselves?; 11 What can you do to help a friend or relative who has hoarding disorder or hoarding symptoms?; Appendix: how to assess your problem with hoarding; Glossary; Resources.

About the Author :
Dr Lynne M. Drummond is an internationally renowned psychiatrist and researcher, who has been helping people with OCD and hoarding for over forty years. In addition to her roles as Honorary Consultant and Visiting Professor, Dr Drummond also works extensively with various charities involved with OCD and Hoarding. Everything You Need to Know About Hoarding is her fifth book. Laura Edwards is a freelance writer with an interest in making science accessible to a wider readership. She is assistant author of three books on mental health.

Review :
'Dr Drummond shines a light on the oft-neglected problem of compulsive hoarding, in this humane, clearly written, and extremely informative book. Brought to life with telling vignettes drawn from her vast clinical experience, the chapters comprehensively cover key aspects and will undoubtedly serve to enlighten all those interested in this challenging mental health problem, including healthcare professionals, the families of those with hoarding problems and those living with hoarding themselves, instilling confidence to understand what is happening and how to seek help. Bravo!' Naomi A. Fineberg, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust 'Lynne Drummond is a well-known expert on obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, including hoarding disorder. In this book, she provides an easy-to-read and engaging overview of hoarding; which is seen in hoarding disorder, but also in a range of other psychiatric conditions. The book will be useful to a wide audience, including those who suffer from hoarding, as well as health professionals.' Dan Stein, Professor & Chair, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town 'A very informative and helpful read. Interesting history and brilliant way to bring this subject up to date. The author presents balance and perspective to hoarding. This is a read for anyone who needs to understand hoarding.' Dave Smith, CEO HoardingUk 'This book will leave a powerful imprint in the readers mind of what hoarding means and what it represents for the sufferer. For those of us who work in close proximity to people with all kinds of anxiety disorders, it is always welcoming to know that there is literature available to assist both the sufferer their loved ones and those caring for them. All of whom are so deserving of finding the right means of assistance to help in advancing a person's recovery. Helping sufferers and carers alike is a huge undertaking. To be able to do this using a self-help strategy means that the relevant support and guidance can be provided in an encouraging and structured way. This book is Ideal for those who are looking for a clearer understanding in how to manage what can often be such a secret problem.' Pamela Fox, Triumph Over Phobia (TOP UK) 'This is a well-written and hugely informative book which will be of great help to a person who hoards, their family/friends, and the professionals who may be trying to help them deal with their hoarding behaviours. I really liked the accessibility of the information provided, and in particular the case studies which really bring home the complexity of hoarding, how it can manifest, and how it can affect not just the person, but the wider community as well. I also really liked the self-help chapter and associated guidance, as there is so little formal 'help' this is a great way to empower people to make changes that could have a real positive impact on their life.' Nick Neave, Director of the Hoarding Research Group at Northumbria University, and Chair of the UK Hoarding Partnership 'This book is such a relief. I am always being asked to recommend a book that gives an overview of the world of hoarding behaviour. This book really does do what it says on the tin. Firstly it explains why hoarding behaviour cannot be dismissed by calling it a 'lifestyle choice'. Not only is this dismissal untrue but it can also have some very negative outcomes. It goes on to explain that to be able to work well with people who have hoarding behaviours you really do need to understand what you are experiencing. The book is divided into clear sections including a section for self help. The book also explains other related mental health conditions. It provides a really good foundational understanding of what hoarding is, how to approach and how to understand. Much of the learning is underpinned with fascinating case studies. I will be happily recommending this to many.' Heather Matuozzo, Founder and Director of Clouds End CIC, UK's first social enterprise to work with people who hoard 'An excellent resource for those wanting to expand their knowledge on understanding the complexities of hoarding. This book will be a great help for those working with hoarding clients but also for those impacted by hoarding. Packed with really interesting case studies, Lynne's book is an absolute must to read.' Jo Cooke, Director of Hoarding Disorders UK CIC, and author of Understanding Hoarding