Scientific Writing Assignment #. 1: Introduction and literature review Introduction Hoarding disorder has only been extensively researched and studied in the last two decades since Frost and Hartl (1996) first conducted their study of hoarding behaviors in a clinical setting and provided an operational definition of behavior. In 2013, hoarding was recognized as a diagnostic entity as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM 5) (APA, 2013), rather than as a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder compulsive listed in the previous version of the DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2000). The prevalence of hoarding disorder varies between 2% and 6% of the general population (Samuels, Bienvenu, & Grados, 2008; Tolin, Frost, Steketee, Gray, & Fitch, 2007; American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2013). which indicated 2 to 6 times greater than the prevalence of schizophrenia (1%) (APA, 2000). Hoarding symptoms have been identified in 18%-42% of adults and children as a subtype of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in the United States. (Feusner & Saxena; Frost, Steketee, & Tolin, 2011). Those with HD often avoid disclosing it or wait to ask for help due to shame and embarrassment (Chabaud, 2011; Sholl, 2011). The topic's recent popularity on reality shows such as TLC's "Hoarding: Buried Alive" and A&E's "Hoarders" has facilitated public awareness of the significance of this devastating condition and its consequences for the hoarder, family and community in general (Chabaud , 2011; However, these television programs often, in their portrayal, do little more than sensationalize the behaviors and quantity and quality of the treasure (... middle of paper... 2011). Likewise, they should be conducted dedicated HD studies on interventions, rather than relying on subjects presenting with hoarding as a subtype of OCD, particularly now that the DSM V recognizes HD as a distinct disorder. These two adjustments will help the field immensely understanding this condition. Preliminary data indicate that compulsive hoarding has a unique neuropsychological profile, but few neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies have been conducted to this point (Tolin, 2011). Further studies in these areas are needed to understand the development of the disorder, potential vulnerabilities, and could inform pharmacological treatments of hoarding. Regarding treatment methods, further investigations are needed to identify potentially useful drugs that could be effective in addressing the characteristic symptoms of compulsive hoarding..