Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the current evidence-based treatment for HD but the majority of sufferers remain symptomatic after CBT with impairing levels of clutter in their homes. Home visits, with a focus on in-home decluttering, have in previous research been shown to be a promising intervention when combined with CBT. However, augmenting CBT with subsequent home visits has not yet been tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). In response to this, in this trial, we aim to investigate the efficacy of a coordinated intervention, consisting of CBT and in-home decluttering for HD, in an RCT. In this trial, 90 participants with HD will initially receive 12 sessions of CBT through a psychiatric outpatient service. After CBT, participants will be randomized to receive either 10 home visits in 10 weeks, or to a wait list condition. Our hypothesis is that augmenting CBT with home visits will lead to a reduction in hoarding symptoms and clutter and improved daily functioning compared to wait list. We will also investigate the cost-economical aspects of the intervention. Results from this trial have the potential to reveal whether in-home decluttering should be added to CBT in order to reduce symptoms of hoarding and improve function in indviduals with HD.
The primary aim of trial is to determine the clinical efficacy of in-home decluttering augmentation of group CBT for reducing hoarding severity in adults with HD. The trial takes place in Sweden.