Hoarding Disorder

 

Persons with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless and have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts their ability to use their living or work spaces. Hoarding is not the same as collecting, people with hoarding disorder often save random items and store them haphazardly.
In most cases, people save items that they feel they may need in the future, are valuable, or have sentimental value; some may also feel safer surrounded by the things they save.

Hoarding disorder occurs in an estimated 2%-5% of the population and often leads to substantial distress and disability. The average age at onset of first symptoms is 13 years and the disorder tends to be chronic with time.

DIAGNOSIS

An assessment for hoarding may include questions such as

• Do you have trouble discarding (or recycling, selling, giving away) things that most other people would get rid of?
• Because of the clutter or number of possessions, how difficult is it to use the rooms and surfaces in your home?
• To what extent do you buy items or acquire free things that you do not need or have enough space for?
• To what extent do your hoarding, saving, acquisition, and clutter affect your daily functioning?
• How much do these symptoms interfere with school, work, or your social or family life?
• How much distress do these symptoms cause you?

Mental health professionals may also ask permission to speak with friends and family to help make a diagnosis. Hoarding was previously considered a subtype or symptom dimension of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or obsessive compulsive personality disorder, but recent research has indicated that it is more appropriately classified as a distinct condition. 

RISK FACTORS

Researchers have identified a number of risk factors;

-      - Hoarding is more common among individuals with a family member who is also a hoarder.

-         Brain injuries have also been found to cause secondary or acquired hoarding symptoms in some patients.

-          Distinct abnormalities of brain function and neuro psychological performance are also a risk factor,

-    Other psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or alcohol use disorder. 

-        A stressful life event, such as the death of a loved one, can also trigger or worsen symptoms of hoarding.

TREATMENT

Treatment can help people with hoarding disorder decrease their saving, acquisition, and clutter, and live safer, more enjoyable lives;

-There are two main types of treatment that help people with hoarding disorder: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.

-If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hoarding disorder, contact your doctor or mental health professional.