Hoarding Disorder

A Hoarding Disorder is a condition that produces a compulsive urge to acquire unusually large amounts of possessions and there is considerable difficulty in discarding or parting with them.

Hoarding Disorders are associated with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. In the elderly, hoarding is sometimes seen in the context of dementia. As understanding of the disorder is incomplete, it is important to get evaluated early if you notice some symptoms to prevent hoarding from getting worse.

Signs include:

• Accumulation of possession that congest and clutter active living areas and substantially compromise their intended use
• Compulsive urge to acquire / save / keep possessions
• Persistent difficulty / distress in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value

Psychotherapy is the main type of treatment. Medications are sometimes prescribed to treat concomitant disorders such as anxiety and depression.