At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Efficacy and Feasibility of Intensive Imaginal Exposure for Hoarding Disorder
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Imaginal Exposure Writing and Neutral Writing for Hoarding Disorder. Completed, enrolled 32 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The present study will test a potential new treatment strategy, imaginal exposure, for hoarding disorder. Although cognitive behavioral therapy often reduces hoarding, some people do not want to start, or cannot handle, that option. To help such individuals, the present study will provide imaginal exposure therapy to people with hoarding disorder, wherein they imagine discarding possessions as a way of becoming acclimated to the idea. We predict that imaginal exposure will improve hoarding symptoms as well as two psychological experiences linked to the condition: intolerance of uncertainty and emotional avoidance.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Imaginal exposure is a psychotherapy strategy that has been studied and shown to be helpful in the improvement of symptoms (e.g., anxiety, worry) for other psychiatric conditions, including excessive worry and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.
Used in prior research as a control condition for imaginal exposure. Neutral writing will involve writing about what one would do on a day off work or school.