What is Hoarding Disorder?

May 15, 2024

Written by: Shelby Ruman, MS, LPC

What is hoarding disorder?

Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty in throwing possessions away. Getting rid of

possessions, when someone has a hoarding disorder, can be hard because they may feel as

though they need to save them. Ridding oneself of these items may cause distress. The amount

of items saved can also create cramped living quarters, stacked clutter, and inability to use

living spaces. With hoarding disorder items are usually saved because a person does not want

to waste anything, may be emotionally attached to items, or items may be useful for the future.

Hoarding disorder is different from collecting. Collecting does not usually cause significant

distress as hoarding does (when parting with possessions), and collections do not usually cause

clutter or disorganization to the extent that a hoarding disorder might.

What are the symptoms?

Some symptoms of hoarding disorder may include:

● Significant distress when getting rid of possessions regardless of their value.

● Placing significance on items that are not needed at the moment.

● Inability to perform daily tasks such as cooking and bathing due to cluttered

rooms.

● Avoiding people in the home due to possible negative perception.

● Difficulty organizing and loss of important belongings.

● Possible relationship conflicts due to people attempting to reduce or control

clutter.

What complications may arise?

● Possible fire hazard due to clutter.

● Possible health code violations from trash or food build up.

● Decrease in social functioning that may create loneliness or isolation.

● Health hazards such as tripping or falling.

● Legal issues such as eviction.

● In case of emergency – first responders may have an issue getting to a person in

need.

What is the cause?

The cause to hoarding disorder is unknown, but some factors may attribute to hoarding disorder

such as:

● Stressful life events (such as loss of a loved one).

● Personality – organization difficulties, problem-solving issues, and trouble with

decision making.

● Family history of hoarding disorder.

What mental health conditions are linked with hoarding?

● Depression

● Anxiety

● OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder)

● ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

What is the treatment?

There are various treatments that may aid someone struggling with hoarding disorder. There is

no “end all – be all” or golden standard for hoarding treatment, but the following items may help.

● CBT – (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help people with hoarding disorders.

CBT helps people look at the way they behave and think and can help change

problematic thought processes.

● Support groups – a support group can help people struggling with hoarding

disorder feel less alone. In support groups people can learn from other peers or

professionals who lead the group.

● MI – (Motivational Interviewing) This technique can help people struggling with

hoarding by increasing their motivation to make positive life changes. MI can also

help a person look at their goals and values and help change behaviors that do

not align with these goals and values.

How to get help 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a hoarding disorder,

reach out to a professional for help or guidance. If you would like to talk to someone about possible hoarding concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Helpful Resources!

Helping Someone with Hoarding Disorder – HelpGuide.org

– This link has guidance for talking to someone with a potential hoarding disorder, what to

do if you share a living space with a person struggling with a hoarding disorder, and

more.

Home – Hoarding (iocdf.org)

– This link has more information on hoarding disorders.

Hoarding Cleanup Help | Help For Hoarders | Hoarding Help – Hoarding Cleanup, Help for

Hoarders, Nationwide Hoarding Help (800) 462-7337

– This resource provides a nationwide directory of (fee-for-service) hoarding cleanup

services and mental health providers who specialize in hoarding behavior.

National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO)

– Fee-for-service professional organizers who specialize in cleaning and organizing of

hoarding spaces.