Is hoarding disorder associated with a higher suicide risk?

Hoarding disorder is a type of obsessive-compulsive behaviour in which affected individuals attempt to control their surroundings by hoarding their belongings. It is typically associated with those with low educational attainment, poor social connections, and who suffer from anxiety and depression.

Hoarding disorder is a major concern. Not only can it begin to control the lives of affected individuals, making them feel more isolated as they repeatedly attempt to shape their environment to their satisfaction, but also it poses an increased suicide risk.

Why are hoarders a suicide risk?

People with a hoarding disorder often also suffer from depression and social anxiety. This withdrawal from their community increases feelings of isolation and compounds existing mental health issues. Research indicates that up to one-quarter of people with a hoarding disorder will attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime.

What can be done to help people suffering from a hoarding disorder?

There are a number of appropriate interventions that may help people to overcome hoarding disorders. These include improving the social support network of affected individuals, providing access to educational opportunities, and providing affected individuals with cognitive behavioural therapy specifically aimed at overcoming their hoarding tendencies.

Social care and medical professionals may benefit from additional training to help them better support people under their care. Mental health training courses Milton Keynes and other locations by providers such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/milton-keynes contribute to professional continuous development and can improve outcomes for affected individuals in their community.

In conclusion

People with hoarding disorders are considered to be a high suicide risk; therefore, it is of the utmost importance that action is taken to identify and support affected individuals, concentrating not only on addressing their obsessive-compulsive behaviour but also on putting in place mechanisms to address their underlying mental health issues and providing them with opportunities to increase their feelings of self-worth.

Only by taking a multi-pronged approach can medical and caring professionals truly add value to the lives of people in their community who are suffering from hoarding disorders.