Hoarding: A Harm Reduction ApproachDate: December 11, 2018: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
What happens when that collection of household items builds up and takes over a major part of one’s life? What happens when the clutter is too much for one to handle and causes excess stress and anxiety? It might be time to consider these stressors a little more carefully as they are indicators of hoarding.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V), describes hoarding disorder as “the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This difficulty is due to a perceived need to save the items and to distress associated with discarding them.”
This learning webinar is intended to demystify the disorder for all those affected by it (patients, caregivers, family and friends). Participants will learn how to appropriately communicate with their loved one afflicted with the disorder from a harm reduction perspective. They will discover the value of building a trusting relationship and better understanding of how individuals perceive their hoarding behaviour vs. how we perceive hoarding behaviour.
These are the main points that will be discussed during the event:
- The nature of hoarding behaviour: what are the biological, social and psychological predispositions
- Setting realistic goals to reduce risk and improve safety
- Harm reduction principles to create a successful plan
- Community resources you and your loved ones can tap into
There will be a question period at the end of the presentation.