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N/A N=32 Randomized Single-blind Basic Science

Imaginal Exposure for Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding Disorder

Enrolled (actual)
32
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
May 2025
Primary outcome: Primary: Savings Inventory Revised (Frost, Steketee & Grisham, 2004; Tolin, Meunier, Frost & Steketee, 2011) — 62.41; 62.60; 53.41; 52.00 score on a scale

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Interventions
Imaginal Exposure Writing (Behavioral); Neutral Writing (Other)
Age
Adult, Older Adult · 18+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
Stanford University
Primary completion
Jan 2021

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Savings Inventory Revised (Frost, Steketee & Grisham, 2004; Tolin, Meunier, Frost & Steketee, 2011)
62.41; 62.60; 53.41; 52.00
SECONDARY
Compulsive Acquisitions Scale (Frost et al. 2002)
62.88; 57.93; 56.76; 47.47
SECONDARY
Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (Buhr & Dugas, 2002)
68.47; 72.27; 65.06; 65.47
SECONDARY
Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - II (Hayes, Luoma, Bond, Masuda and Lillis, 2006)
24.94; 28.33; 22.06; 22.13

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age 18 and older
  • Any gender and all ethno-racial categories
  • Hoarding Disorder primary condition
  • Willing and able to understand and complete consent and study procedures
  • English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

  • Severe depression
  • Clinically at risk of suicide with Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Suicidal Ideation Subscale of 4 or higher (i.e. suicidal intent without specific plan)
  • Currently receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03734705). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

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