An intensive time-series evaluation of the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy for hoarding disorder: A 2-year prospective study

Objective: To intensively evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for Hoarding Disorder. Method: An ABC with extended follow-up N=1 single-case experimental design (SCED) measured discard incidence/frequency/volume and associated cognitions, behaviours and emotions in a 644-day time series. Following a 4-week baseline (A), CBT was initially delivered via out-patient sessions (B) and then out-patient sessions plus domiciliary visits (C). Total treatment duration was 45 sessions (65 weeks) and follow-up was 4 sessions over 23 weeks. Results: There was a significant increase in frequency and volume of discard, with a reliable and clinically significant reduction in hoarding. The addition of domiciliary visits did not significantly improve discard ability. Discussion: The clinical utility of domiciliary visits whilst treating of hoarding is discussed and study limitations noted.