What is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding Disorder is a mental health condition marked by a compulsive need to acquire items and an extreme difficulty in discarding them, regardless of their value or utility.
Individuals with Hoarding Disorder often have living spaces cluttered to the point where areas become unusable. This accumulation can lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are characterised by accumulation of possessions due to difficulty in discarding and a perceived need to save.
Common Indicators:
- Persistent difficulty discarding items
- Distress when parting with possessions
- Living spaces cluttered to unusability
- Social and occupational impairment
Associated Behaviours:
- Avoiding inviting people over
- Excessive acquisition of unnecessary items
- Strong emotional attachment to possessions
- Indecision about categorising or organising items
Causes
The exact causes of Hoarding Disorder remain unclear. Factors may include genetics, brain functioning abnormalities, and stressful life events. Past traumatic events can also be a contributing factor.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a thorough assessment by a mental health professional, evaluating the individual's history, symptoms, and their impact on daily life. The emphasis in diagnosis is on the difficulty of discarding and the resulting impairment.
Treatment
Though challenging, Hoarding Disorder is treatable.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT adapted for Hoarding Disorder can aid individuals in recognising and changing their acquisition and saving patterns.
Medication
medications, like SSRIs, can be beneficial, especially for co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
Living with Hoarding Disorder
Managing Hoarding Disorder requires continuous effort. Adopting a decluttering routine, seeking support, and addressing underlying emotional triggers are pivotal for long-term management.