6 Ways to Help a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder

hoarding disorder

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is hoarding disorder? Hoarding disorder (HD) is a mental health disorder where an individual collects a large amount of possessions and experiences difficulty parting with possessions to the point where parting with possessions prompts profound emotional distress. Approximately 2% to 6% of people in the United States have hoarding disorder (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) previously classified hoarding disorder as a subtype of OCD, “however, healthcare providers were encountering people with hoarding behaviors who didn’t have any other mental health conditions. After more research, hoarding disorder was included as an isolated condition, in the OCD spectrum, in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is the most recent edition” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  Similar to many of us, people with hoarding disorder keep objects due to their sentimentality, aesthetics, and usefulness. These …

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4 Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman looking out window, wondering about the types of borderline personality disorder

While Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a singular diagnosis, it manifests in various forms, leading to the conceptualization of different subtypes. These subtypes, though not officially recognized in diagnostic manuals, offer insight into the diverse presentations of BPD. Borderline Personality Disorder, a complex mental health condition, often bewilders both those who experience it and the professionals who treat it. This disorder embodies a spectrum of symptoms that vary widely among individuals, making a one-size-fits-all approach ineffective. To better understand and address the varied manifestations of BPD, clinicians have proposed four subtypes, each reflecting unique patterns of behavior and challenges. In this article, you will learn more about the different types of borderline personality disorder and the treatment options available. Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by intense emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and a distorted self-image, often leading to tumultuous relationships and self-harm. Patients with BPD experience a …

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10 Types of Therapy for Trauma

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman smiling after exploring the different types of therapy for trauma

Trauma can significantly impact mental health, necessitating specialized therapeutic approaches. Various forms of therapy are designed to address the complex effects of trauma, helping individuals process their experiences and rebuild resilience. Understanding these therapies is crucial in finding the most effective path to recovery. Trauma affects individuals differently, presenting a spectrum of psychological challenges. Psychotherapy can help address these specific needs and offers various approaches, each employing unique techniques to aid in healing and recovery. This article outlines several types of therapy for trauma and their benefits. The Different Types of Therapy for Trauma When it comes to trauma recovery, therapy plays a pivotal role. The right therapeutic approach can make a significant difference in how individuals process and overcome traumatic experiences. These therapies range from cognitive and behavioral techniques to more holistic and group-based approaches. Here are several types of therapy for trauma: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral …

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How Does Childhood Trauma Affect Adulthood?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
how does childhood trauma affect adulthood

Childhood trauma can have enduring effects on adulthood, influencing mental health, relationships, and physical well-being. Adults who experience childhood trauma often face challenges like anxiety, depression, and difficulties in forming stable relationships, along with increased risks of physical health issues. Childhood trauma, a distressing experience that profoundly disrupts a young person’s sense of safety and well-being, can cast a long shadow into adulthood. It not only shapes the developing brain but also sets a blueprint for how adults perceive and react to the world around them. Understanding the impact of childhood trauma is crucial in addressing its long-term consequences, as it affects everything from mental health to interpersonal relationships. In this article, we’re exploring a common question we hear: how does childhood trauma affect adulthood? Understanding Childhood Trauma Childhood trauma encompasses a range of experiences, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or enduring prolonged adversity. These experiences …

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Workplace Stress, Burnout, and the Stress Cycle: 9 Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health

hoarding disorder

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Stressors and Stress Stressors are what activate the stress response in the body and stress is the neurological and physiological shift that happens when you encounter one of these stressors. For so many of us, work-related stressors activate our stress response. Whether it’s searching for a job in our current economic conditions, experiencing burnout from working long hours without adequate rest, or working a high pressure job, work stress can permeate our daily lives – in and outside of work. Emily Nagoski PhD’s book, “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle,” describes stress as “an evolutionarily adaptive response that helps us cope with things like, say, being chased by a lion or charged by a hippo. When your brain notices the lion (or hippo), it activates a generic ‘stress response,’ a cascade of neurological and hormonal activity that initiates physiological changes to help you survive…this …

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