Hoarding disorder is the inability to part with belongings and the hoarding of items (eg, paper, food containers, duplicate items, miscellaneous items, biohazards, animals, etc.). Hoarding occurs in various forms, varying from case to case. Some people constantly accumulate numerous household items and tools, some cannot get rid of items that the average person considers trash, and sometimes some people acquire more animals than they can properly care for. Unlike collections, hoarding is often unorganized and can interfere with everyday life. These individuals with hoarding behavior are not “lazy” or “lazy” but are experiencing the compulsions of a mental condition.
The hoarding condition makes it difficult for an individual to distinguish between “junk” and “treasure.” The individual will find that the items have more value than they really do. Sometimes there may be a sentimental attachment to items, such as items the individual associates with a lost loved one. Other times, the individual may believe that one day they will need the item and hold on to it “just in case.” In the case of animal hoarding, the individual may feel that these animals are being saved from a worse fate, not realizing that the failure to provide living conditions and care is hurting the animals more than helping.
Sometimes hoarding behavior can even be a symptom of another condition. One of these conditions is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). According to psychology today, one in four people with OCD also display hoarding behavior. Some people are under the misconception that OCD means the person is obsessed with cleanliness and therefore could never put up with hoarding conditions. However, OCD is a disorder that takes many forms, one of which is “pathological collecting.”
Clinical depression can also lead to hoarding behavior. Symptoms of clinical depression include, but are not limited to: depressed mood, significantly reduced interest, insomnia, fatigue, and trouble making decisions. Due to some of the symptoms of depression, hoarding behavior may coincide, as the individual may have difficulty making decisions about disposing of items or lack the energy and/or motivation to maintain a clear environment.
Other conditions that may coincide with hoarding behavior are Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADD/ADHD can result in disorganization, lack of concentration, and difficulty staying on task. Such symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a home, being unable to concentrate and keep conditions organized.
If hoarding behavior is present, it is crucial to address all aspects of the behavior: the physical disorder and the psychological aspects that coincide with it. A professional heavy-duty cleaning company that specializes in hoarding and clutter cleanup can provide compassionate and effective services that will help restore delivery condition. A mental health professional will be able to help with the psychological aspects of hoarding to minimize the possibility of a return to hoarding conditions. Whether the hoarding behavior is due to hoarding disorder itself or a symptom of another mental condition, the right help can alleviate the hoarding situation and restore safety and happiness to everyone involved.