Hoarding behaviour is complex and not always easy to understand. This newly published thematic literature review explores theories about and definitions of hoarding behaviour and hoarding disorder, as well as known causes for and risk factors associated with hoarding behaviour. It also presents research findings on onset, progression, severity and prevalence of hoarding behaviour among older people.

The review provides information on what is known about treatment and interventions, including therapeutic approaches, community-based schemes, and medication. Another section explores critical perspectives on hoarding behaviour discourses. Finally, the review offers some conclusions and considerations for practice. The aim of our review is to provide an overview of research findings and debates for researchers, practitioners, and other interested parties, and to inform our wider study on social care responses to self-neglect and hoarding behaviour among older people in England.

The review was lead-authored by Nicole Steils, Research Fellow at the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce, and the study from which it derives is funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research.

This publication:

Steils, N., Woolham, J., Manthorpe, J., Martineau, S., Owen, J., Stevens, M., & Tinelli, M. (2022) What do we know about hoarding behaviour and treatment approaches for older people? A thematic review, London: NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce, The Policy Institute, King's College London. https://doi.org/10.18742/pub01-083