Hoarding Web site Introduction

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to the OCF's Hoarding Web site.

Before the early 1990's, there was virtually no research on compulsive hoarding. Since then, interest in this topic has increased dramatically among research scientists and clinicians. As a result of recent media coverage of hoarding, interest among sufferers and family members has increased as well. In the last few years, we have received far more e-mails and letters from people seeking help and information than we could possibly respond to.

This Web Site is designed to provide information and assistance in a more comprehensive and efficient way. It is divided into several sections that cover the definition of hoarding, professional articles on multiple aspects of hoarding, a Research Digest for hoarding-related scientific papers, self-help and support group articles, a hoarding/compulsive buying screening test, and other useful information about this medical disorder.

We will update this site regularly to reflect the rapidly expanding knowledge about this problem. We hope you find it useful.

Sincerely,

Randy Frost, Ph.D

Professor, Smith College

Northampton, MA

Gail Steketee, Ph.D

Associate Dean/Professor

Boston University School of Social Work

Boston, MA