Question 1

What is the psychology behind hoarding?

Accepted Answer

The psychology behind hoarding is complex. It is characterized by excessively acquiring, saving, and often storing random items in a haphazard manner that disrupts the normal functioning of household spaces. Research suggests that hoarders believe that such items are useful, will be needed in the future, are a good bargain, or are unique and irreplaceable. They also may attach sentimental value to otherwise useless items.

Hoarding is a form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Experts estimate that 25% of people with OCD are also compulsive holders. Further, most hoarders experience anxiety disorders ranging from mild anxiety to depression. Hoarding also leads to social isolation, which increases their susceptibility to mental disorders. Some people turn to hoarding as a way of dealing with trauma while others use the habit to manage worry, anxiety, and fear.

Question 2

What kind of mental illness does a hoarder have?

Accepted Answer

Hoarding disorder is a mental illness that impacts 2-6% of the population. Hoarders have difficulty disposing of things that they don't need. Hoarders also keep large quantities of items that most people would consider to be of little value, such as newspapers, old clothing, household goods, and plastic bags. Some hoarders also suffer from compulsive buying and collection of free stuff, such as fliers. This behavior affects the person emotionally and socially.

Question 3

Is a hoarder mentally ill?

Accepted Answer

Most hoarders suffer from at least one mental health condition. The hoarding may be a disorder on its own or could be a symptom of another mental health problems such as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), depression, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Hoarding affects between 2-6% of the American population and causes distress and malfunctioning at the household level. It affects more men than women, and is more prevalent among the elderly. Hoarders many have mental problems such as perfectionism, indecisiveness, disorganization, and procrastination.

Hoarders quality of life diminished by their chaotic, cluttered, often unhealthy home. Moreover, most hoarders experience dysfunction in important areas of life, such as ability to have normal relationships, get a job, and interact socially with peers.

The condition also takes a toll on families since form of resentment, anger, and frustration. The unlivable conditions in which they live may lead to eviction, divorce, or loss of child custody.

Question 4

How do you cure a hoarder?

Accepted Answer

Curing hoarding is a complex process, and compulsive hoarding is often very difficult to treat. The most common treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy. However, although CBT may decrease the symptoms, it may not be as effective for certain groups, such as older adults. Research suggests it takes 26 therapy sessions or more for severe cases.

While treatment varies, most mental health professionals focus on the following goals when working with a hoarder:

Determine values. Identify the things that the hoarder values; what does he/she care most about? Is it their children, friends, faith, etc. Also, learn what the client considers his/her ideal life.
Motivate and encourage. Use these values to increase motivation and remind the client why he/she will be closer to their personal goals and the things they value if they put in the effort to change their behavior.
Skills training. Treatment then shifts to teaching various skills on how to organize, setting guidelines for acquiring, keeping, and discarding. The next step is creating an actionable plan to tackle the client's home or problem area by breaking down each room (or area or collection of items) into manageable steps. These steps may be completed with the therapist or alone as homework assignments.
Maintain new behaviors. This includes identifying triggers and coming up with ways to prevent relapse. Unfortunately, even with treatment, most clients will continue to have hoarding disorder after treatment, so it's important to focus on maintaining the new skills, but also emphasizing that more treatment may be necessary later on.

What is the psychology behind hoarding?

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