Hoarding is the excessive collection of items, along with the inability to discard them. Hoarding often creates cramped living conditions that often interfere with activities of daily living including cooking, cleaning and taking care of one’s hygiene. This type of lifestyle commonly leads to isolation, depression, social problems, unsanitary conditions and, in some cases, legal consequences.
Hoarding may be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or Hoarding may be associated with other anxiety, mood or substance abuse disorders.
People who hoard often do not see it as a problem and they tend to justify the collection of items. Intensive treatment, usually provided at the home, can help people understand their compulsions and work towards a more balanced and relaxed lifestyle.
Cognitive behavior therapy is the most common form of psychotherapy used to treat hoarding. As part of cognitive behavior therapy, you may:
- Explore why you feel compelled to hoard
- Learn to organize and categorize possessions to help you decide which ones to discard
- Improve your decision-making skills
- Declutter your home during in-home visits by a therapist
- Learn and practice relaxation skills
- Attend family or group therapy
- Be encouraged to consider psychiatric hospitalization if your hoarding is severe
- Have periodic visits or ongoing treatment to help you keep up healthy habits