All of us have keepsakes, items that have particularly fond memories. But what’s with people who store mail, discarded gadgets, magazines, newspapers, old clothes, paper and plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and even trash? Compulsive hoarding sees people have a persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. The behaviour can take alarming proportions and usually has detrimental effects – emotional, physical, social and financial – for a hoarder and their family members. The large piles of stuff in the house keep growing so it’s difficult to move around and sit or eat together as a family.
The Mayo Clinic defines a Hoarding disorder as “a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.”
According to the Anxiety And Depression Association Of America (ADAA), someone who hoards may exhibit the following behaviour:
- Inability to throw away possessions
- Severe anxiety when attempting to discard items
- Great difficulty categorising or organising possessions
- Indecision about what to keep or where to put things
- Distress, such as feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed by possessions
- Suspicion of other people touching items
- Obsessive thoughts and actions: Fear of running out of an item or of needing it in the future; checking the trash for accidentally discarded objects
- Functional impairments, including loss of living space, social isolation, family or marital discord, financial difficulties and health hazards.
Besides, hoarders are embarrassed about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. Their clutter is often at the expense of livable space. They feel guilty or ashamed after acquiring more and more items, and they may also find themselves in debt. Some people with a hoarding disorder may recognise and acknowledge that they have a problem while others may not see a problem.
Hoarding, say mental health professionals, is a disorder that may be present on its own or as a symptom of another disorder like an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression.
Says the American Psychiatric Association, 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-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication.
During CBT, hoarders gradually learn to discard unnecessary items with less distress, diminishing their exaggerated perceived need or desire to save these possessions. They also learn to improve skills such as organisation, decision-making and relaxation. For some people, medications are helpful and may help improve symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hoarding disorder, contact your doctor or mental health professional.
Comments are closed.