Therapist and patient perspectives on cognitive-behavioral therapy for older adults with hoarding disorder: A collective case study

Abstract

Utilizing a qualitative approach, the current study explored therapist and patient perspectives on a specialized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol for clinically significant hoarding in older adult patients. Data were derived from the following sources: (1) therapist observation; (2) CBT consultant observation; (3) clinical treatment notes; (4) participant feedback, including a focus group; and (5) participant in-session notes and completed homework assignments. Our findings showed that the value of homework, treatment session compliance, and deficits in executive functioning (prospective memory, planning, problem solving, and cognitive flexibility) were common themes among participants as viewed by the therapist. Patients reported that exposure exercises and the therapeutic relationship were the most helpful aspects of their treatment, while cognitive strategies had limited success. Our results suggest that treatment for hoarding in older adults may be improved by focusing on exposure therapy elements, remediating executive function deficits, providing simplified homework assignments, and decreasing the emphasis or modifying cognitive restructuring techniques.

Keywords:

• older adults
• qualitative approach
• exposure exercise
• provider perspectives
• executive function

Acknowledgments

The research was supported by a Career Development Award (CSRD-068-10S) from the Clinical Science R&D Program of the Veterans Health Administration. The contents do not reflect the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.