Hoarding disorder
Why hoarding disorders are a problem
A hoarding disorder can be a problem for several reasons. It cantake over the person's life, making it very difficult for them to get around their house. It can cause their work performance, personal hygiene and relationships to suffer.
The person hoarding is usually reluctant or unable to have visitors, or even allowing tradesmen in to carry out essential repairs, which can cause isolation and loneliness.
The clutter canposea health risk to the person and anyone who lives in or visits their house. For example, it can:
- make cleaning very difficult, leading tounhygienic conditions and encouraging rodent or insect infestations
- bea fire riskand block exits in the event of a fire
- cause trips and falls
- fall over or collapse on people, if kept in large piles
The hoardingcould alsobe a sign of an underlying condition, such as OCD, other types of anxiety, depression and potentially more serious conditions, such as dementia .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about hoarding disorders, including why it might happen, why it's a problem, and what can be done about it.
Why someone mayhoard
The reasons why someone begins hoarding aren't fully understood. It can be a symptom of another condition. For example, someone with mobility problems may be physically unable to clear the huge amoun
What's the difference between hoarding and collecting?
Many people collect items such as books or stamps and this isnt considered a problem. The difference between a"hoard"and a"collection"is how these items are organised. A collection is usually well-or
Signs of ahoarding disorder
Someone who has a hoarding disorder may typically: keep or collect items that may have little or no monetary value, such as junk mail and carrier bags, or items they intend to reuse or repair (see b
Items people mayhoard
Somepeople with ahoarding disorderwill hoard a range of items, while others may just hoard certain types of objects. Items that are often hoarded include: newspapers andmagazines books clothes l
Why hoarding disorders are a problem
A hoarding disorder can be a problem for several reasons. It cantake over the person's life, making it very difficult for them to get around their house. It can cause their work performance, personal
What you can do if you suspect someone is hoarding
If you think a family member or someone you know has a hoarding disorder, try to persuade them to come with you to see a GP. This may not be easy, as someone who hoards might not think they need help
How hoarding disorders are treated
It's not easy to treathoarding disorders, even when theperson is prepared to seek help, butit can be overcome. The main treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT) . The therapist will help the p
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