Hoarding: What Everyone Needs to Know®

by Gail Steketee, Christiana Bratiotis

Hoarding disorder is the excessive saving of objects and difficulty parting with them to a point that interferes with one's ability to properly use rooms and furnishings in the home. Hoarding can become dangerous, sometimes resulting in structural problems and fires, or in hazardous sanitary conditions. Studies indicate that around one in every 25 people suffers from hoarding. This means that almost all of us know someone who What Everyone Needs to Know® demystifies this complex problem, what it looks like and why it may develop, and how it can be treated. With their combined expertise in psychological treatments for hoarding and community interventions, Drs. Steketee and Bratiotis explain how to understand hoarding as a mental illness, describing the disorder in layman's terms and explaining the various facets and manifestations of the behavior. Chapters focus on one or more common questions regarding diagnosis, features, how to assess severity, and treatment. The book will dispel myths and help readers identify hoarding that touches their own lives. As such it will be of great value not only to those who suspect a loved one may be hoarding, but also to first responders, such as firefighters, public health officials, and housing and social service personnel, who will find here an essential resource for use in the field.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook, Science

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Doug T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series, “What Everyone Needs to Know,” typically over-achieves that goal; there’s far more in this volumes than what “everyone” needs. These are (this is my 2nd, I read the volume on “Yemen” last year) thorough introductions with plenty of depth. The problem with “Hoarding” wasn’t content, there’s quite a bit, but a certain repetitive nature to it as it focused on treatments of hoarding disorder at various levels and on the limited or inadequate research that’s been done. But that technique drives the points home! Also, this not a book of practical ways to address hoarding, though it does offer some tips when addressing the person with the challenge. And it has plenty of resources in the reference section. Worth a read if you or someone you know might have over-acquisitive behaviors, or an inability to part with clutter, or is adversely affected by the sheer amount of stuff in their lives.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of the current research done on hoarding. A commonly repeated phrase seemed to be “more research is needed” though.

[Jmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big topic- according to the book, most US adults know at least 2 hoarders. Transcends social class.

Interesting to hear about offshoots like larder hoarding (excessive food saving).

Approaches to intervention- motivational interviewing, safety planning (example- have a bin for papers by the couch so they don’t end up in the kitchen or create fire hazard). Never use the “h” word of the hoarders, and refer to their junk/clutter with the words they use for it- things, collection.

Interesting how it relates really more to adhd and decision-making than it does to OCD. And how it’s instilled stories during childhood with personification of toys or comfort items.

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great resource on Hoarding Disorder

I have been researching HD and clearing out my junk in the basement. This book has some very good information. I listened to the Audible version while spring cleaning, read the Kindle version and bought the hard copy for my home library. I know I will reference this book again in the near future. A good purchase. Well written and narrated.

[Josie Jaffrey]

This book is a textbook giving an overview of the current understanding of hoarding at the time it was written. As such, it doesn’t contain much at all by way of anecdotes, the content is extremely dry, and it’s repetitive. Perhaps it’s useful for practitioners, but I was looking for specific insights into the behaviour of people affected by the disorder, for which I found Steketee’s other book “Stuff” (written with Randy Frost) much more helpful.

[Jen Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provided good overall insight into the disease. Provided recommendations for further study for clinicians. Provided good recommendations for scales to use in the field. Looking forward to reading some of their recommendations on this problem.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting summary of the hoarding disorder research. Be aware, this is not a self-help book with day to day tips on how to help friends/family with hoarding. However, it gives many recommendations for further readings (including self-help books) as well as other useful resources.

[Max]

Super super place to start if youre nosey about where everyone is at with hoarder science. Doesnt seem to have the best selection of detail for people trying to deal with it practically. Really great resource section

[Caitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good resource- an intro guide to several considerations. A good starting point.

[Bethtunnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a slippery slope! Especially as you age.