Hoarding disorder is a condition that can affect people from all walks of life; it is characterized by a feeling of panic triggered by the prospect of having to part with his possessions.
In psychiatry, hoarding disorder is recognized as a medical condition in which individuals accumulate items—even those with little practical use—in their homes. These may include newspapers, outdated items, and similar objects. For the man with hoarding disorder—and especially for those living with him—there eventually comes a point where there is no livable space left in the home, and this situation can lead to serious difficulties. Hoarding disorder is a condition closely related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.
People with hoarding disorder experience distress if they throw away their belongings. That is why they cannot bring themselves to discard them. Even though their living space becomes cramped and their home develops unpleasant odors, the thought of parting with these items fills them with dread. Over the years, even if family members try to intervene, the accumulation of items only increases. Due to hoarding disorder, family members may begin to withdraw from the person’s life.
Causes of Hoarding Disorder
The causes of hoarding disorder are generally rooted in emotional factors. The person uses this behavior to compensate for something he feels is missing in his life, and over time, it gradually begins to cause distress. Once these underlying issues are resolved, the person can begin the healing process. To resolve these issues, their underlying causes must first be identified.
- Severe depression
- Dementia
- Psychosis
- Lack
of love - Career problems
People with hoarding disorder form emotional bonds with the items they accumulate; if they experience a lack of love or face career problems, they form a bond with their possessions.
Even people without the disorder can form emotional bonds with their belongings.
Unless there is a problem in his brain—such as a tumor—hoarding disorder begins gradually and develops over the course of years. In cases of tumors or similar illnesses, this condition arises suddenly. With hoarding, he rationalizes his behavior by thinking, “This will be useful to me,” “I might use it in the future,” or “It holds memories,” and the situation gradually takes hold. This pattern continues. There are people who rent a new storage unit or even buy a house because of the items they have hoarded. Even people without the disorder can form emotional attachments to their belongings. However, when they have to make a choice, they realize they need to get rid of some things—and they do. As life becomes more constrained, it becomes easier to let go of possessions. Hoarders, however, never do this. They hold onto items that have no meaning and are non-functional. To them, this is perfectly normal.
People should carefully consider whether their belongings are truly useful
We don’t live in extreme scarcity or poverty, but because our elders experienced poverty in the past, they remain conscious of it. They may hold onto the idea that an item might come in handy someday, but nowadays we have access to virtually everything. When people look at their belongings, they need to think carefully. They must carefully weigh whether an item is truly useful or not. In the past, people used to hoard yogurt containers and similar items. If you haven’t touched that container in two years, you should reconsider. Perhaps you have a garden and can save it for watering. Or maybe an artist needs it, so it’s worth keeping. However, if you have no use for it at all, you really need to think this through.
“If you’re hoarding items with sentimental value in great detail, that also falls under hoarding.”
If you hoard items with sentimental value in great detail, this also falls under hoarding, or hoarding disorder. You need to simplify your sentimental items as well. People should look at the things associated with their memories and make a decision based on their value. Hoarding too much still falls under hoarding, or hoarding disorder.
Treatment for Hoarding Disorder
There is a treatment for hoarding disorder. Treating hoarding disorder is a challenging process. Instead of clashing with the person, family members accept him as he is and let him be. It is necessary to admit the person to a hospital. The person does not believe he is ill. The condition may stem from a cause other than hoarding. If it is due to other factors—such as depression—it will resolve once that underlying condition subsides.
