Table 1. Hoarding Rating Scale with patient reported scores.

Scoring scale: On a scale of 0-8, 0 is for no problems, 2 is mild, 4 is moderate, 6 is severe and 8 is extreme.

Interpretation of HRS total scores [9] - mean for nonclinical samples: HRS total = 3.34; standard deviation = 4.97. Mean for people with hoarding problems: HRS total = 24.22; standard deviation = 5.67. Analysis of sensitivity and specificity suggest an HRS total clinical cut-off score of 14.

Criteria for clinically significant hoarding [10] - a score of 4 or greater on questions 1 and 2, and a score of 4 or greater on either question 4 or question 5.

HRS: Hoarding Rating Scale

1. Because of the clutter or number of possessions, how difficult is it for you to use the rooms in your home?

Score: 6

2. To what extent do you have difficulty discarding (or recycling, selling, giving away) ordinary things that other people would get rid of?

Score: 7

3. To what extent do you currently have a problem with collecting free things or buying more things than you need or can use or can afford?

Score: 7

4. To what extent do you experience emotional distress because of clutter, difficulty discarding, or problems with buying or acquiring things?

Score: 8

5. To what extent do you experience impairment in your life (daily routine, job/school, social activities, family activities, financial difficulties) because of clutter, difficulty discarding, or problems with buying or acquiring things?

Score: 6