{"id":4954,"date":"2026-04-27T20:01:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T20:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hosting2.northumbria.ac.uk\/ukhp\/?page_id=4954"},"modified":"2026-06-12T13:25:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T13:25:50","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hosting2.northumbria.ac.uk\/ukhp\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Home<\/a> \u203a FAQ<\/div>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\n

Answers to common questions about hoarding disorder, the UKHP, and how to access support.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Understanding hoarding disorder<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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<\/span><\/span>What is hoarding disorder?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

Hoarding Disorder (HD) is a recognised mental health condition classified in both DSM-5 and ICD-11. It involves three key features: the accumulation of a large number of possessions; significant difficulty discarding them regardless of value; and severe clutter that prevents living spaces from being used for their intended purpose. It is not the same as being messy or untidy, and it is not a lifestyle choice.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/span><\/span>Is hoarding disorder the same as OCD?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

No. Hoarding disorder was classified as a distinct condition in its own right in the DSM-5 (2013) and ICD-11, separate from OCD. While there can be overlap, hoarding disorder is characterised by different patterns of thought and behaviour, and responds differently to treatment. People with hoarding disorder often have limited insight into the impact of their behaviour, which is less common in OCD.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/span><\/span>What causes hoarding disorder?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

Hoarding behaviours often begin in childhood. They can be associated with experiences of trauma, grief, loss, and uncertainty, as well as neurodivergent conditions such as Autism or ADHD. Depression is the most common comorbidity. There is also evidence of a genetic component. Hoarding disorder is multi-factorial \u2014 there is no single cause.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/span><\/span>How common is hoarding disorder?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

Hoarding disorder is estimated to affect approximately 2\u20135% of the population, meaning there are potentially over two million people with the condition in the UK. It affects men and women roughly equally, and prevalence increases with age.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/span><\/span>Can hoarding disorder be treated?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

Yes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for hoarding disorder is the most evidence-based treatment. Progress is often slow and requires a trauma-informed, person-led approach. Simply clearing a property without the person\u2019s engagement is not an effective long-term solution and can cause significant harm. Multi-agency support that addresses the underlying psychological drivers, as well as practical factors like housing and finances, tends to produce the best outcomes.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Getting Help<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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<\/span><\/span>I think I might have hoarding disorder. What should I do first?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

A good starting point is to complete one of the self-assessment tools on our\u00a0For People Who Hoard<\/a>\u00a0page, the Clutter Image Rating Scale or the Hoarding Rating Scale. If your responses suggest a significant problem, we would recommend speaking to your GP. Your GP can refer you to mental health services or a relevant specialist.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/span><\/span>A family member hoards and I\u2019m worried about their safety. What can I do?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services. For non-emergency concerns, you can speak to the person\u2019s GP, contact the local authority housing team, or reach out to a local hoarding multi-agency team if one exists in your area. Avoid clearing their belongings without consent, this can cause serious psychological harm.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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<\/span><\/span>Is there help available if I cannot afford professional services?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
Yes. Many support groups are free to attend. NHS referrals for CBT are available without cost. Local authority housing teams may be able to assist with fire safety assessments and some practical support at no charge. Charities including Mind and Hoarding UK offer free resources, advice lines, and peer support. Our regional services directory on the For People Who Hoard page lists local options by region.\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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<\/span><\/span>I\u2019m embarrassed and ashamed about my home. Will professionals judge me?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
The UKHP and the organisations in our network are committed to a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach. Many professionals working in this field have specific training in supporting people with hoarding disorder with compassion and respect. You are not alone \u2014 hoarding disorder is more common than most people realise, and those working in this space understand that it is a mental health condition, not a personal failing.\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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About the UKHP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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<\/span><\/span>Who can join the UK Hoarding Partnership?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
Membership is open to professionals working in relevant fields (housing, social care, NHS, emergency services, charities), academics conducting research on hoarding, and people with lived experience of hoarding disorder. We meet quarterly online via Microsoft Teams \u2014 usually the last Thursday of October, January, April and July, 10am\u201312pm. To express interest in joining, please use our contact form.\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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<\/span><\/span>Does the UKHP provide direct support to individuals?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
The UKHP is a professional and academic partnership network rather than a direct support service. We do not provide individual casework, counselling, or clearing services. However, our Help & Advice section signposts to organisations that do provide direct support at both national and regional level.\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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<\/span><\/span>How is the UKHP funded?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
The UKHP is hosted by Northumbria University and is primarily supported by the research and professional infrastructure of its founding institution. Membership of the partnership is currently free. We are exploring additional funding to expand the scope of the partnership\u2019s activities.\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For Professionals<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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<\/span><\/span>What legislation is relevant to hoarding cases?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
Relevant legislation includes the Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding), the Housing Act 2004 (housing health and safety rating system), the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Local authority powers to intervene are limited \u2014 there is no statutory duty to address hoarding \u2014 but housing departments can act where there is a serious hazard. Legal frameworks should always be used as a last resort within a compassionate, collaborative approach.\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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<\/span><\/span>Is there training available for professionals?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

Yes. Hoarding Disorders UK offers a range of virtual training courses including Hoarding Awareness Training (Stages 1\u20133), Chronic Disorganisation Training, and courses on the Mental Capacity Act in relation to hoarding. Hoarding UK also provides training. Details are available via our For Professionals<\/a> page.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Home \u203a FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Answers to common questions about hoarding disorder, the UKHP, and how to access support. 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