Mental Health
Below please find information and resources to some of the mental health conditions we investigate:
Hoarding Disorder (HD)
Many of us can relate to the idea of having ‘too much stuff’ and wishing our possessions did not clutter our lives and living space. Still, we often find it difficult and stressful to dispose of many of our possessions. When these behaviours become excessive, some individuals can be diagnosed with the condition Hoarding Disorder (HD). Those with HD have accumulated so many possessions that these fill and clutter their living areas causing considerable distress and suffering, even impairing their ability to work and socialise. Investigations of those with HD have pointed to three key recurring characteristics: excessive acquisition, clutter and difficulty discarding.
To learn more and for useful resources, please see the NHS and MIND websites.
Additional excellent resources can be found in the Cambridgeshire Insight site HERE
The Morein Lab is also part of the UK Hoarding Research Network which brings academics and researchers together. The lab also contributes to the UK Hoarding Partnership, which brings individuals with lived experience, their family members, and professionals to support those affected by hoarding.
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a condition where individuals experience obsessions, which are unwanted and intrusive thoughts and images, and compulsions, repetitive behaviours and time consuming rituals. Many people, both young and old can experience recurrent thoughts or feel compelled to carry out some behaviours, particularly in times of distress. However, those with OCD suffer from symptoms which are chronic, distressing and such that their lives are much worse on balance for having the condition.
To learn more about OCD please have a look at the following:
The International OCD Foundation has a wealth of great resources
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
There are two main UK-based OCD related charities:
Adult ADHD
Whilst Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that originates in early childhood, for many it continues into adulthood. ADHD in adults is characterised in particular with persistent problems relating to impulsivity and inattention that interfere with everyday functioning. Those with ADHD suffer from difficulties in relation to their symptoms in a way that is chronic, distressing and pervasive thoughout their dail lives.
To learn more about ADHD, the NHS and the charities MIND and CHADD are a great places to start for useful information and additional resources.