Hoarding disorder is recognized as a mental illness. It is characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. People with hoarding disorder may accumulate an excessive number of items, leading to clutter in their living spaces. This behavior can significantly impair their daily functioning and can have serious consequences on their well-being and relationships.
Key features of hoarding disorder include:
Difficulty Discarding: Individuals with hoarding disorder find it challenging to let go of possessions, even those with little or no real value. They may experience intense distress at the thought of discarding items.
Excessive Accumulation: There is a persistent accumulation of possessions, leading to living spaces becoming cluttered and unusable for their intended purpose.
Impairment in Functioning: Hoarding can result in impaired daily functioning, such as difficulty cooking, cleaning, and moving around the living space. In extreme cases, it can lead to unsanitary and unsafe living conditions.
Distress and Impairment: Hoarding causes significant distress to the individual, and it often interferes with their relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
It’s important to note that hoarding disorder is distinct from collecting, which involves acquiring and organizing items with a clear purpose and usually does not lead to the same level of impairment. Hoarding disorder can have serious consequences, and individuals struggling with it may benefit from professional help, such as therapy and support groups, to address the underlying issues and develop coping strategies.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 