Hoarding syndrome is a compulsive disorder characterized by the obsessive picking of items and the inability to discard anything, leading to negative consequences such as damage to mental and physical health, difficulty for friends and family, and financial and legal consequences. Treatment options include psychological remedies, medication, and consulting a professional organizer. It is difficult to estimate how many people suffer from the disorder, but mental health professionals estimate up to two million people in the United States.
Hoarding syndrome is generally defined as a compulsive disorder. It typically consists of two types of behavior: the obsessive picking of items and the inability to discard anything, even if an item is broken, dangerous, or otherwise useless. Compulsive hoarding is generally considered more serious than just clutter or disorganization, as it has several negative consequences. Hoarders often experience damage to their mental health and physical well-being. Obsessive hoarding can also be difficult for friends and family to deal with. There are, however, several options available for people who want to stop hoarding.
Although hoarding syndrome is typically classified as an anxiety disorder, there is disagreement in the medical community as to whether it is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or whether it should be identified as a distinct mental condition. Because hoarders tend to be reserved individuals and often live alone, it’s difficult to estimate how many people actually suffer from the disorder. In the United States, mental health professionals estimate that up to two million people may suffer from hoarding syndrome.
People with hoarding syndrome might save a variety of items. Examples could include collectibles, books, food, animals, or any type of object that offers them comfort or has meaning. Objects often have historical or sentimental significance, or they may be things that the hoarder believes will be valuable or useful to them in the future.
Most compulsive hoarders are unable to make decisions, often leading to an inability to function normally in their homes. Other common characteristics of someone with hoarding disorder include avoidance, procrastination, and perfectionism. Many mental health experts believe, for example, that someone with hoarding syndrome wants everything to be done a certain way. As a result, he may not be willing to start a business if it is not completed perfectly.
Hoarding syndrome can sometimes be hereditary. Some traumatic events, depression and even aging can also trigger it. Some common examples of the psychological damage the disorder can cause include guilt, frustration, and loneliness. Hoarders often alienate their family and friends, further contributing to their sense of isolation. Relationships are usually damaged, mostly because people may not invite others out of shame.
Over time, many hoarders find themselves living in a house infested with pests or mold. These physically dangerous conditions can lead, for example, to respiratory problems or allergies. There is also a risk of injury from slipping or falling objects. Some people keep expired food in their homes or hoard items such that they become a fire hazard.
Hoarding can have financial and legal consequences as well. The damage caused by the accumulation of clutter could lead to costly home repairs, for example. In many cases, however, hoarders are unable to organize such repairs because the clutter prevents workers from entering the home. People also often face legal problems, like when a city threatens to evict someone from their unsafe home.
There are a number of treatment options for people with hoarding syndrome. Some examples of psychological remedies may include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or hypnosis. In addition to dealing with mental health issues, many people also consult a professional organizer to help with the clutter.
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