The systematic review led by Bates et al. (2021) plunges into the complex relationship between hoarding disorder (HD) and concomitant medical conditions, discovering the important implications of health beyond the psychological aspects of HD. This study emerges from less healthy observations in people with HD to determine whether these health problems are explicitly associated with HD rather than simply being coincident or attributable only to aging.
Study justification
HD has been increasingly recognized as a serious public health problem, attracting attention From several disciplines, including mental health and medical communities. Despite this recognition, there is still a lack of complete research examining the results of the physical health of those who have an HD compared to the general population. The study of Bates et al. seeks to fill this gap by exploring whether the disorder could contribute to various medical conditions.
Methods used
Meeting the favorite report elements for systematic journals and meta-analyzed guidelines (Prisma), the research team has made an in-depth literature review in databases established such as Pubmed, Psycinfo and Google Scholar. The selection criteria included studies published between 1980 and January 2021 which specifically discussed HD in the context of medical conditions, excluding those who discussed only as a symptom of other disorders such as Toc.
Key conclusions
The systematic journal has identified nine relevant studies systematically indicating a higher prevalence of medical conditions in people with HD. These diseases included, without limiting themselves, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems. These results were consistent between studies using different methodologies, including those with and without comparison groups.
Discussion and implications
The implications of this review are deep, suggesting a potentially bidirectional link between HD and physical health problems. This means that HD can exacerbate existing medical conditions, and conversely, such conditions could worsen HD symptoms. The congestion associated with HD could cause physical obstruction and sanitation problems, exacerbating respiratory problems or diabetes. The study also highlights the potential role of obesity and Executive dysfunction As mediators in the health results of people with HD, suggesting that these factors could exacerbate the impact of physical health disorder.
Broader importance
Understanding the link between HD and physical health is crucial to developing effective treatment strategies. This knowledge encourages a holistic approach to treatment which addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of HD. This study underlines the need to continue research to dissect the underlying mechanisms connecting HD to various medical conditions. Such research could lead to more targeted interventions, improving the effectiveness of treatment and clinical results for people with HD.
Conclusion
The systematic review of Bates et al. Significantly contributes to understanding HD, highlighting its complex relationship with concomitant medical conditions. By suggesting a bidirectional influence and identifying potential mediators, this study opens the way to a multidisciplinary approach to treatment which could considerably improve the quality of life of people affected by HD. It also establishes a basis for future research which could further elucidate the links between mental disorders and physical health, ultimately leading to better integrated clinical practices.
