Understanding Hoarding Disorder

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What is Hoarding Disorder?

Hoarding Disorder is a recognised mental health condition that can affect the way a person relates to their possessions. Items may take on a strong sense of importance or value, making decisions about keeping, discarding, or letting go particularly difficult. As possessions build up over time, they can begin to take over living spaces and interfere with everyday life. This may affect how a person uses their home, as well as their relationships, wellbeing, and ability to manage daily activities.

Hoarding Disorder is more than simply having a cluttered home or enjoying collecting things. It is a complex condition that can develop gradually and is best approached with understanding, compassion, and appropriate support.

Common Characteristics

A persistent difficulty letting go of possessions, regardless of their monetary or practical value. This may include items that are broken, unused, or duplicated.

Possessions may carry significant emotional meaning. They can be linked to memories, relationships, past experiences, or provide feelings of comfort and security.

Experiencing feelings of anxiety, distress or guilt when considering getting rid of possessions or when faced with the possibility of losing them.

Rooms and everyday living spaces can become difficult to use for their intended purpose. Kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, walkways, and other essential areas may become cluttered or obstructed.

The stress of making decisions about possessions can lead people to avoid sorting or clearing their belongings. Some may also avoid having visitors because they feel embarrassed or worried about being judged.

What causes hoarding disorder?

There is no single cause of hoarding disorder, it is thought to develop through a combination of different factors which can vary from person to person.

Difficult or Traumatic Experiences:
Experiences such as bereavement, abuse, significant loss, or other distressing events may contribute to the development or worsening of hoarding behaviours. For some people, possessions can become a source of comfort or security following difficult experiences.
Genetic and Family Factors:
Hoarding difficulties can sometimes occur within families. Having a close family member who experiences hoarding may increase a person's likelihood of developing similar difficulties, although it does not mean they will necessarily develop the disorder.
Emotional and Mental Health Factors:
Hoarding disorder can occur alongside conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These difficulties may influence how someone experiences anxiety, makes decisions, or relates to their possessions.
How the Brain Processes Information:
Research suggests that differences in areas such as decision-making, attention, and emotional responses to possessions may play a role in hoarding disorder. These factors can make decisions about keeping or discarding items particularly challenging.

The Physical Impact

Hoarding difficulties can have a significant impact on a person’s physical health and safety, particularly when possessions build up over time. As living spaces become...

The Emotional Impact

Hoarding difficulties can have a profound emotional impact. Possessions may provide feelings of comfort, security, connection, or safety, so the thought of losing them can...

Support Is Available

You don't have to face hoarding difficulties alone. There are various forms of support available, and finding the right help can be an important first step towards making positive changes.