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ADHD-Informed Strategies for Tackling Clutter and Hoarding (with Michael Tompkins, Ph.D.)

ADDitude Magazine

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In this hour-long ADDitude webinar, Dr. Michael Tompkins talks about the differences between clutter and hoarding and the ADHD traits that contribute to disorganization. He shares effective treatment strategies to manage clutter and hoarding, including cognitive behavioral therapy.

This ADHD Experts webinar was originally broadcast on June 18, 2024.

Download the slides associated with this webinar here:
https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/h...

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7:00 what is clutter?
9:00 when is clutter a problem?
11:00 hoarding behavior vs hoarding disorder?
13:00 what is hoarding disorder?
14:00 onset of hoarding: late onset vs lifelong
15:00 how unsanitary conditions fit in
18:00 categorization challenges/ decision making difficulties
20:00 keeping things in sight
21:00 churning mixes items into a disorganized piles
22:00 emotional attachment to things
25:00 reinforcement factors
29:00 difficulties that lead to clutter with ADHD people
31:00 EF that lead to clutter
33:00 decluttering requires organization and planning skills
38:00 how can you tell the difference?
42:00 how to address both
44:00 Medication
48:00 big takeaways
51:00 CBT techniques to help with emotional side of clutter
53 is there a right/ wrong way to determine which items to keep for emotional attachment?
56:00 on boredom: "when you have ADHD, that mental effort hill is very high"
58:00 hula hoop hack

Related Resources

1. Download: Your Guide to Hoarding Disorder Vs. ADHD Clutter
https://www.additudemag.com/download/...

2. Read: What Does Hoarding Disorder Look Like?
https://www.additudemag.com/why-do-pe...

3. Read: How to Motivate for Cleaning House When You Really Don’t Want To
https://www.additudemag.com/house-cle...

4. eBook: Declutter Your Life (and Home! and Office!)
https://www.additudemag.com/product/d...

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15 Comments

@mattydarwin 1 year ago

finally information with substance with no inappropriate ranting!!!

@CulliSheerfrost 4 months ago (edited)

Thank you Dr. Tompkins....loved you on "Hoarders" you are so patient with all those difficult situations....you were such a voice of reason on that show, and very comforting, I thought to people who were at base somewhat self-loathing or at least ignored some very basic needs..........I have been diagnosed as ADHD but was beginning to think i had hoarding disorder as well. This video clarified the differences and so aptly described my situation as an ADHD clutterer who VERY much appreciates a little help.

@ginnydoll0703 1 year ago

Based on the information presented here a lot of people will be wrongly labeled as a hoarder when a lot of behaviors, and even thought processes result from trauma, toxic relationships, and symptoms of ADHD, and many of the common comorbid conditions commonly associated with ADHD.

Once again the person labeled bears the brunt of responsibility for problem despite the reasons behind the situation results from symptoms of their condition, not personal choices and or decisions they've intentionally made.

My heart breaks for everyone experiencing this.

@shedcouture 3 months ago

I've admired Dr. Tompkins ever since watching him on Hoarders. His voice and his manner of speaking are so calming and reassuring—honestly, if he ever started an ASMR channel, I'd happily listen to him talk me to sleep every night! One small thing (blame my grammar ADHD): there's a little typo on the first slide. It says "Cutter" instead of "Clutter"—which, let's be honest, is a whole 'nother issue. 😊

@Artem992 1 year ago

3:50 skip the intro housekeeping

@groovinwithfaith 2 years ago

Thank you. This was extremely helpful. I really appreciate the input from Dr Tompkins. Thanks

@YTStoleMyUsername 1 year ago

Was doing this as I was decluttering! Starting my third week on Adderall - tried Concerta and it had no effect - first week I was very productive & motivated, second week I struggled to get anything done. I attributed that to severe lack of sleep. But because I know it does have an effect I'm still motivated to keep trying. I made another small dent in a section of my very cluttered bedroom today and I'm going to keep working at it, small section by section. I truly appreciate all the tips. This video really hit the nail on the head. Esp that question at the end about how to know what sentimental items to get rid of - I struggle with that as well. The answer was very insightful and illuminating. Thank you!

@lesliec8069 1 year ago

Thank you. This was helpful.

@melusine826 1 year ago

Compulsive aquiring .... me and opshopping 😅

@dsm_ytc 3 weeks ago

When I walk into my house with my car keys, if only I had two things in my mind. I'll be thinking about googling about a thing, and then think about that other thing I just stepped over and need to move but can't because I'll lose it because it goes with three other things in three different places - I forget where - for that particular project and by the time I get to the computer to look at the thing above, I'll see five reminders and go "Argggg!!!" and then get distracted on the NEXT BIG PROJECT!!!! YAY!!

@sirinz8299 2 years ago

Thank you very much!

@sterlgirlceline 1 year ago

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏆

@aliasjon8320 1 year ago

24:38

@Ross_Embossed 4 days ago (edited)

Thx. Question: svp. What if you're parent is #undiagnosed #ADHD and you're not genetically, or no red flags otherwise, but what if you're raised in a disorganized environment?

I've always been recognized for being well organIed in my own space & bedroom since I was a kid.
My dizygotic fraternal twin brother has probably inherited AuDHD from my Mom and/or Dad's side both contributed.
Our Dad could've been undiagnosed #CPTSD , or #BPD bipolar (still so stigmatized for instability, but it doesn't take medication - just ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – to mindfully manage it and so family can have compassion instead of shame for temper tantrums that escalate instead of de-escalate w compassionate understanding - not taking over-reactions personal.
With social codependency on top of all that, people pleasing etc... it becomes a tango of dysfunction. 🥀