Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome

There is a shameful secret affecting nearly 1.4 million Americans. It takes over their homes, their lives, and poses a physical threat. Though very common, the condition is often hidden, making it hard to get treatment. It's called Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome.

According to the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, hoarding is defined as "the acquisition of and the inability to discard worthless items, though they appear (to others) to have no value". More severe than the occasional collector, or so called 'pack-rat', this disorder is intertwined with O.C.D, (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). In an effort to manage anxiety raised by obsessive thoughts, hoarders collect possessions to an extreme point. Hoarding can also be due to Attention Deficit Disorder, psychosis, depression, or dementia.

Dr. Randy Frost defines Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome based on three criteria: accumulating and failing to discard perceived useless possessions, cluttered living spaces, and significant distress or problems functioning caused by hoarding. Sufferers exhibit an obsessive need to get and save objects, and have anxiety throwing them away because of a possible need or value. They also may form emotional attachments to the objects, leading to saving things for 'just-in-case' scenarios. The feeling of doubt sets in; what if I need this and I've thrown it away?

The second criteria can go unnoticed. Living spaces become amply cluttered so as to prohibit activities for which those spaces were originally designed. With more possessions going in than coming out, it isn't unusual for the build-up to cause narrow pathways where clear hallways once were. It can easily pile up, taking over everything, from floors, counter-tops and chairs, to entire rooms, prohibiting the use of bedrooms, kitchens, or garages. It becomes impossible to use the rooms for their actual purpose.