Hoarding Disorder is characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, leading to cluttered living spaces that compromise their intended use. It is driven by a perceived need to save items and significant distress associated with discarding them.
Key Points:
- Symptoms: Excessive accumulation of items, clutter that affects daily functioning, and emotional attachment or anxiety around discarding possessions.
- Impact: Can pose health and safety risks (fire hazards, unsanitary conditions) and strain family or social relationships.
- Distinction: Different from collecting (which is organized and purposeful); hoarding is disorganized and accompanied by distress.
- Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tailored for hoarding (CBT-H), skills training (organizing, decision-making), and sometimes medication (SSRIs).
