UNDERSTANDING HOARDING DISORDER
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HOARDING DISORDER?
This disorder was initially considered part of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and became a distinct diagnostic entity in 2013. Traumatic experiences, such as sudden loss of money, childhood neglect, and abuse, can trigger hoarding as a coping mechanism. Genetics and abnormalities in brain function related to decision-making and emotional intelligence may also play a role. Additionally, learned behaviors from growing up in a cluttered or unstable environment can contribute. Difficulty processing emotions, fear of wastefulness, and perfectionism often exacerbate the disorder, reinforcing the inability to discard items.
EFFECTS OF HOARDING ON DAILY LIFE:
- One of the most visible effects is the disruption of living space and functionality. Excessive accumulation of items can make living areas unusable, with pathways blocked and essential spaces like kitchens and bathrooms rendered inaccessible.
- Cluttered environments can harbor dust, mold, and bacteria, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, or infections. The accumulation of items may block fire exits, create tripping hazards, and increase the risk of accidents.
- Hoarding imposes significant psychological strain, as fear of losing possessions can lead to heightened anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. A small 2025 Study examined individuals and indicated a higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in people with hoarding disorder, highlighting the importance of screening and educating people on helping someone with suicidal thoughts.
- Hoarding also strains relationships, as loved ones may grow frustrated or feel neglected. Conflict over the clutter can lead to family disputes, estrangement, or divorce. Social isolation often follows as individuals refuse visitors and avoid judgment and shame, compounding feelings of loneliness and alienation.
STEPS TO OVERCOME HOARDING DISORDER:
Treating hoarding disorder requires a holistic approach that addresses both emotional and behavioral aspects.
1. Seek Professional & Personal Help:
The first step is to consider professional help for hoarding disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is particularly effective and often includes motivational interviewing and gradual exposure therapy. A 2025 analysis of 41 studies on hoarding disorder confirms that psychological therapies are effective in reframing harmful thoughts and in reducing the distress associated with discarding items. Family and friends play a critical role in recovery by showing empathy and providing practical assistance and emotional encouragement.
2. Develop Organizational Skills:
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so breaking the process into small, achievable tasks is vital. Focusing on one room or area at a time and celebrating progress can build momentum. Learning to categorize and organize items helps individuals regain control over their environment. Using storage solutions and designated spaces for essential items can alleviate the sense of chaos and improve functionality.
3. Build Emotional Regulation Skills:
Addressing underlying emotional triggers is vital. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing can help individuals manage anxiety in daily life and cope with the emotional challenges of letting go. A trained professional can significantly impact the outcome of building strength and resilience.
4. Create a Maintenance Plan:
Sustaining progress involves regular organization, emotional regulation, and periodic reviews of possessions. Ongoing therapy or support group participation can provide accountability and prevent relapse. Support from a trusted friend or family member can encourage this process, which is useful not only for opening up to a therapist about mental health concerns but also for moving ahead with self-awareness and confidence.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Hoarding disorder is a mental illness that, if left untreated, has a significant direct and indirect impact on daily life, leading to disruptions in living space, health, and relationships. Overcoming hoarding involves a comprehensive approach that includes seeking professional help, setting achievable goals, developing organizational and emotional regulation skills, and involving support networks.
People with hoarding disorder often experience severe psychophysical symptoms when trying to part with their belongings. These symptoms, such as sweating and a racing heartbeat, can make the act of letting go a distressing and overwhelming experience. As a result, routine activities like cleaning, cooking, or organizing become daunting tasks. The indecision over possessions can further exacerbate the situation, making sorting items a monumental task. These challenges disrupt routines, affecting the quality of life by preventing activities and compromising privacy and cleanliness.
While recovery from hoarding disorder is often gradual, individuals can make meaningful progress toward creating a healthier and more functional living environment with the right tools and support.
RESOURCES:
1- Tolin, D. F., Frost, R. O., Steketee, G., & Muroff, J. (2015). COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR HOARDING DISORDER: a META-ANALYSIS. Depression and Anxiety, 32(3), 158–166.
https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22327
2- Robinson, L., & Smith, M., MA. (2024, February 5). Hoarding Disorder: Help for Hoarders - HelpGuide.org. HelpGuide.org.
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/hoarding-disorder-help-for-hoarders
3- Symonds, A., & Janney, R. (2013). Shining a light on hoarding disorder. Nursing, 43(10), 22–28.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nurse.0000434310.68016.18
4- Stumpf BP, Rocha FL, Fontenelle LF, Barbosa IG. A comparison between community and treatment-seeking samples of hoarding disorder. CNS Spectr. 2024 Nov 22:1-5. doi: 10.1017/S1092852924000361. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39575521
5- Varvaras J, Schaar P, Laskowski NM, Georgiadou E, Norberg MM, Müller A. To hoard or not to hoard purchased items - does it matter? A clinical cross-sectional study on compulsive buying-shopping disorder. Compr Psychiatry. 2025 Feb 24;139:152588. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2025.152588. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40054095.
Written by:
Rumsha Abdul Aziz, MS Psychology,
On March 11, 2025
