Hoarding disorder is a mental disorder in which a person finds it difficult to part with items such as clothing, newspapers, books, or other recyclable items.
We may want to keep a t-shirt, even though it no longer fits, or a torn shoe, because it may have some sentimental value. We all find it difficult to part with things that are important to us. However, hoarding occurs when we find it difficult to get rid of many unnecessary items and accumulate more than we can throw away. In addition to creating unhygienic and overcrowded environments, hoarding can also cause problems in relationships and make it difficult to live a normal life. Hoarding disorder gets worse over time. It can also occur alongside other mental illnesses simultaneously and requires attention and treatment.
What is hoarding disorder?
Hoarding is a mental disorder, says the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders“Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms. Although it is considered a type of anxiety disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hoarding disorder is a discrete illness,” explains psychologist and psychotherapist Priyanka KapoorA person with hoarding disorder has an intense need to keep many things, whether or not they are financially valuable, and becomes very distressed when trying to part with them.
Symptoms of hoarding disorder
Hoarding disorder affects daily life. Anxiety Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia, sweating or psychosomatic symptoms such as tense muscles, stomach problems or body aches are common in almost all forms of anxiety disorders, including hoarding disorder, Kapoor explains.
Other signs of hoarding disorder include an inability to let go of possessions. “Trying to get rid of items causes intense stress, worrying about needing them later, uncertainty about where to put things and fear of other people handling them are some of the symptoms,” Kapoor adds. This often leads to living in unusable spaces due to clutter and isolating oneself from friends and family.
Newspaper articles, books, clothing and recyclables are items that regularly accumulate, says the UK’s Department for Recycling. National Health ServiceShe adds that people with hoarding disorders are reluctant to ask for help because they feel that the things they have accumulated can be taken away from them. They also feel ashamed and isolated from their families.
What causes hoarding disorder?
Hoarding disorder occurs as a coping mechanism to deal with insecurities and other internal anxieties. It is a fairly common disorder. International OCD Foundation It is said that between two and six percent of people have hoarding disorder. While anyone can have it, older adults are at higher risk for symptoms. However, symptoms may begin to appear between the ages of 11 and 15 and become more severe with each passing decade. Some people with hoarding disorder recognize that their hoarding beliefs and behaviors are problematic, but many do not.
1. Genetics
Hoarding disorder is more likely to run in families where there is a history of anxiety or other mental health issues. A study, published by the United States Department of Veterans AffairsHe says that 50 percent of the variation in hoarding disorder is due to genetics.
2. Childhood trauma or traumatic event
Trauma experienced during childhood can cause a range of problems including anxiety, sadness, OCD, phobias, and hoarding behavior. Traumatic life events They are very common in the lives of patients with hoarding disorder. Hoarding disorder begins to appear in mid-childhood, due to the stress of early life, says a study published in the journal Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related DisordersThe development of hoarding symptoms is related to any stressful or traumatic event, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one.
3. Mental health status
Hoarding disorder can coexist with other disorders. OCD Symptoms occur in people who already have them. Other disorders such as ADHD and borderline personality disorder can be present, and this disorder is also likely to be present. Patients with hoarding disorder often have psychological difficulties such as anxiety and depression, the study says. National Health ServiceHe also adds that hoarding disorder was part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) until 2013, when it became an independent disorder.
4. Low self-esteem
A fragile ego and low self-esteem can also contribute to hoarding disorder. As a result, they feel somehow validated and somewhat secure. A study published in Neuropsychiatric diseases and treatmentThey reported that patients with hoarding disorders reported less confidence in their memories and also overestimated the consequences of forgetting.
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What is the diagnosis and treatment for hoarding disorder?
A clinical psychologist will identify OCD and other anxiety disorders, including hoarding disorder, using the patient’s history, mental status assessment and other diagnostic tools, Kapoor says.
Treatments for hoarding disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This can be done in a group setting or in one-on-one sessions. In this case, the session will focus on the reasons why someone finds it difficult to get rid of items. It aims to change the thought process that underlies the practice of hoarding.
Other therapies include systematic desensitization, which is a therapy that focuses on treating anxiety and phobias. In this therapy, the person is gradually exposed to anxiety-producing objects and situations while simultaneously engaging in a relaxation activity. Dialectical behavioral therapy and commitment therapy may also be used.
Depending on the severity of the problem, psychiatric medication may also be necessary to help manage the symptoms. Hoarding disorder is caused by several hidden and underlying issues that need to be addressed and can only be managed through psychotherapy, Kapoor adds.
Can hoarding disorder be prevented?
While prevention may not be possible, there are some ways to stop the problems from becoming more serious. We must identify the early warning signs of trauma, despair, and anxiety. These can become serious like hoarding disorder if the early warning indicators are not heeded. “It is usually best to seek therapy as soon as emotional problems arise. It is important to develop the resilience needed to face challenges,” explains Kapoor.
If there are additional difficulties, such as problems in our relationships or career, we need to deal with them as well. “We don’t have to accept difficulties and live with them. Living with them can lead to the development of anxiety disorders, hoarding disorder being one of them,” says Kapoor. It is crucial to address issues of low self-esteem, as it is the root cause of most mental health problems.
How to live with hoarding disorder?
Depending on the severity of hoarding disorder, it can be quite difficult to lead a normal life. Therefore, leading a balanced life through yoga, breathing, meditation and physical activity is essential to preserve mental balance. It is also necessary to continue with therapy until the underlying cause of the problem is resolved.
