‘Others Just Don't Understand’: A Qualitative Exploration of the Impacts of Hoarding Disorder on Family Members

ABSTRACT Hoarding disorder is a chronic and disabling disorder that impacts not only the person experiencing the disorder but also their family members. This qualitative study explored the impacts of clinical levels of hoarding on adult children and partners of individuals with hoarding disorder. Of the 34 participating family members, 20 completed semi‐structured telephone interviews and 14 participated in two focus groups. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and hoarding severity. Transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) ‘Self‐Concept and Meaning Making’, capturing how participants' internal experience had been negatively affected by the person with hoarding disorder; (2) ‘The Relational Experience’, reflecting the negative ways in which participants' interpersonal relationship with the person with hoarding disorder and others had been impacted; and (3) ‘Unmet Needs’, depicting the information and support needs of family members, and recommendations for future family‐centred interventions for hoarding disorder. The majority of participants appeared to draw on unhelpful coping strategies and reported unmet information and support needs. The findings elucidate substantial, wide‐reaching and enduring impacts of hoarding on family members, including disruptions to daily functioning, mental health, self‐esteem, relationships and overall quality of life. Family members often represent the forgotten client within healthcare settings, pointing to a pressing need to recognise and support them throughout the recovery process.