What are the symptoms of hoarding disorder?
Some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty discarding or giving away possessions
- Feeling a strong need to save items
- Feeling very upset at the thought of losing possessions
- Clutter that makes home spaces hard to use, like not being able to cook or sleep comfortably
- Feeling embarrassed about the amount of clutter
What causes hoarding disorder?
The exact cause of hoarding disorder is not fully known, but several factors may contribute, such as:
- Genetics — a family history of hoarding can increase the risk
- Traumatic events or losses, which can lead to hoarding as a coping mechanism
- Difficulty making decisions, which can make it hard to determine what to keep or discard
- Other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression
How common is hoarding disorder?
Hoarding disorder affects many people. It is estimated that about 1-2% of the population may have this condition, and it can start in childhood or adolescence but often gets worse over time.
Who is more likely to get hoarding disorder?
While anyone can develop hoarding disorder, some factors may increase the chances, including:
- Being older, as symptoms may develop later in life
- A family history of hoarding
- Having experienced stressful life events, like the loss of a loved one
How can I treat hoarding disorder?
Hoarding disorder can be treated through:
- Therapy, which helps people learn to manage their thoughts and behaviour around possessions
- Support groups, where individuals share experiences and strategies with others who have similar challenges
- Medication, which might be prescribed to help with related issues like anxiety or depression
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How to live with hoarding disorder?
Living with hoarding disorder can be challenging. Here are some tips to help manage daily life:
- Seek professional help to get tailored advice and support
- Create a plan to gradually declutter and organise your space
- Set small, achievable goals for sorting through belongings
- Reach out to supportive friends or family for help
Final thoughts
Hoarding disorder can significantly impact a person’s life. If you or someone you know struggles with this condition, it’s important to speak to a GP or healthcare provider for support.
