"Groundbreaking Treatment Offers Hope for Hoarding Disorder in the US"
Approximately 1 in 40 people in the United States has a hoarding disorder, which can severely impact their quality of life and safety. Stanford University researchers have conducted a pilot study using virtual reality technology to help individuals with hoarding disorder practice decluttering their homes. The study showed promising results, with 78% of participants reporting that virtual reality therapy helped them increase real-life discarding. This innovative approach could provide a creative tool for treating hoarding disorder, especially among older adults who are more commonly affected. Virtual reality therapy also offers practical benefits, such as connecting patients with mental health professionals and overcoming travel restrictions or privacy concerns. Hoarding disorder is a debilitating condition that is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, but cognitive behavior therapy and other forms of talk therapy have proven effective in treating the disorder.
