'Hoarding' disorder examined in March DHS lecture

Oklahoma City --An entire television show on the A&E network is dedicated to the compulsive anxiety disorder known as “hoarding.”  Now the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) examines the challenges a person and their families face when dealing with that disorder. 

“Extreme Clean Up:  Handling a Hoarding Dilemma” is the March installment of the DHS Spring Practice and Policy Lecture Series.  It will be held Thursday, March 12 at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City.  This particular lecture will be two hours, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  Matt Paxton, a regular contributor to the A&E show “Hoarders” will be the guest speaker.  All lectures are free and open to the public.

“Compulsive hoarding makes it difficult for a person to discard or part with their possessions, regardless of their actual value,” said Connie Schlittler, Director of the DHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics.  “People who hoard may often feel the items will be useful one day or they may have sentimental feelings about it. 

“Serious complications can occur from hoarding,” Schlittler said, “including fire or health hazards and infestations.  This lecture is specifically designed to learn how to help those faced with a hoarding dilemma and to better understand hoarding situations, their impact and potential solutions.”

Guest lecturer Matt Paxton started his business “Clutter Cleaner” a decade ago as a way to clean houses for grieving widows and to help seniors downsize and relocate.  He quickly found himself being sought by extreme hoarders, leading to a regular stint on the A&E network’s “Hoarders.”  Today Paxton and his crew routinely clean out some of the messiest homes in America.  He will bring his unique perspective to this DHS lecture and help guests understand more completely both hoarding and addiction issues.

The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the DHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. 

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552 or visit the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website. 

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