Mental health of animal hoarders: a study of consecutive cases in New South Wales.

ConclusionsAnimal hoarding is largely attributable to psychological and psychiatric problems. It is recommended that clinical services work alongside animal welfare inspectorates, assessing (and, where appropriate, treating) such problems.What is known about the topic?Animal hoarding is believed to be partly attributable to the hoarders having psychiatric or psychological problems, but relevant mental health assessment of hoarders is not usually arranged. Recidivism after removal of animals is nearly 100%.What does this paper add?The study confirms that animal hoarders commonly have mental health issues. However, RSPCA inspectors are not expected to screen for such issues or refer cases to mental health clinicians.What are the implications for practitioners?There is good reason to develop clinical services to help animal hoarders deal with their psychological or psychiatric problems. PMID: 31693868 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research