Hoarding Disorder
A condition involving persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of actual value, due to a perceived need to save items and distress associated with discarding.
Overview
Hoarding disorder involves persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value, due to a perceived need to save the items and distress associated with discarding them, resulting in accumulation that congests living spaces.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include cluttered living spaces that compromise their intended use, distress when attempting to discard items, and, in some cases, excessive acquisition of items. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Genetic factors, difficulties with decision-making and categorization, and emotional attachment to possessions are each associated with hoarding disorder.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Specialized cognitive behavioral therapy for hoarding has evidence supporting its use.
Living With Hoarding Disorder
Gradual, supported sorting and discarding, along with addressing safety hazards, are often part of treatment.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships. Severe hoarding can create safety or health hazards that warrant timely attention.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Hoarding disorder can be challenging to treat, but many people see improvement with specialized, sustained therapy.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.