Dozier invited to keynote national conference on chronic disorganization, hoarding
Mary E. Dozier
Mississippi State University's Mary E. Dozier has been invited to serve as a keynote presenter at the Institute for Challenging Disorganization annual conference, a national event focused on understanding and addressing chronic disorganization, hoarding and other concerns.
Chronic disorganization is defined as disorganization that persists over time, frequently undermines quality of life and recurs despite repeated self-help attempts. It is often associated with brain-based challenges including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, hoarding disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Hosted by the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, the Feb. 21 conference will bring together professional organizers, productivity specialists and related professionals seeking education and research-based strategies to support individuals affected by chronic disorganization. Dozier is one of three featured presenters.
Dozier, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology, said her presentation will focus on the complex clinical factors that underlie disorganization.
“I will be speaking on the associated features of hoarding, as well as the interaction of symptoms of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder,” Dozier said. “Participants can expect to learn how different causes of disorganization may present and ways to use that information to help their clients.”
She emphasized the importance of this topic for professionals working directly with individuals affected by chronic disorganization.
“Chronic disorganization is rarely caused by just one factor alone,” Dozier said. “Understanding the complex interactions of neuropsychiatric variables that can lead to disorganization will facilitate professional organizers to better help their clients.”
Dozier said she was eager to present to ICD subscribers because of the organization’s commitment to evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“I am passionate about expanding evidence-based knowledge on hoarding and other causes of disorganization,” she said. “Presenting to ICD subscribers allows me to disseminate research to the folks who are in the best position to make a difference.”
An MSU faculty member since 2019, Dozier’s research centers on evidence-based assessment and treatment of psychopathology across the lifespan, with a particular focus on hoarding disorder in older adults. Her work challenges long-held assumptions that hoarding is primarily fear-based and explores the diverse etiological factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of the disorder.
Dozier earned her doctorate in 2019 and her master’s degree in 2015 from the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She received her bachelor’s degree from Rice University in 2011. In 2021, she was recognized for distinguished scientific merit for a paper by a new and emerging professional published in Clinical Gerontologist.
For more details about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences or the Department of Psychology, visit www.cas.msstate.edu or www.psychology.msstate.edu.
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Sarah Nicholas | College of Arts and Sciences
