Understanding the multiple layers of complexity associated with hoarding and children

ABSTRACT

Consideration of prevalence estimates, age of onset, social and economic impairment and safety risks highlight that youth may be negatively impacted by hoarding through personal attachment, difficulty letting go and engagement in hoarding behaviour, and/or living in a home with a hoarding parent/caregiver. Dr. Soreni and colleagues’ paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the phenomenology of hoarding in childhood, including clinical features and other factors (e.g., symptoms, development, attachment, information processing, comorbidity, family, social functioning) as well as a brief client vignette. [...]a commentary and personal account by Ms. Crawford provides a picture of what it is like to be the child of someone with a hoarding problem who subsequently has had a professional career in the management and response to animal hoarding.