Development of a brief psychoeducational group intervention for carers of people with hoarding disorder: A proof-of-concept study

• We piloted a six-week group intervention for carers of people with Hoarding Disorder.
• Carers reported improvements in wellbeing and positive experiences of caregiving.
• Carer knowledge about Hoarding Disorder also improved after the intervention.
• Carers distress levels, burden, expressed emotion, and coping styles did not change.
• The intervention was well received with high reported satisfaction and helpfulness.

BackgroundHoarding Disorder (HD) is a burdensome and disabling mental health condition, which is associated with substantial functional disability and represents a major public health issue. Hoarding problems can also have a major adverse impact on the relatives/carers of people who hoard. The current study evaluated the impact and acceptability of a brief psychoeducational group intervention for carers of people with HD.MethodsTwelve family carers of people with HD took part in a six-week manualised psychoeducational group. Measures of knowledge about HD, caregiving experiences, expressed emotion, wellbeing, distress, and coping styles were taken at pre-, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up.ResultsThe results indicated significant improvements post-intervention in carer reported wellbeing, positive experiences of caregiving, and understanding of HD. No changes were observed in carer reports of caregiver burden, distress, expressed emotion, and coping styles. Satisfaction and perceived helpfulness were high.ConclusionA relatively brief, group-based intervention can support carers in their understanding of HD and positively impact on their own wellbeing and relationship with their relative with HD. Replication with a larger sample and controlled design is required.