If you’ve watched television in the last few years, you’ve likely come across a reality show about hoarding. Rather than truly educating the public on the condition, reality TV tends to dramatize the issue, spread misinformation, and increase stigma.

Hoarding reality shows can be misleading, as they often showcase only the most extreme cases of hoarding. Hoarding is a broad term that covers a vast range of circumstances. For example, a person with a hoarding problem may have difficulty getting rid of possessions but still have far less clutter than the individuals seen on TV.

An estimated 15 million people in the United States experience hoarding issues. Hoarding is a serious condition that can have devastating physical, emotional, social, financial, and legal effects on the individual and surrounding loved ones.

It’s time to bust the stigma and tell the truth. Here are seven common myths about hoarding.

1. Hoarding Is Just Another Name for OCD

Hoarding is a complex mental condition characterized by collecting too many items, an inability to let go of possessions, and trouble with organization. Until recently, hoarding was considered by mental health professionals as a form of obsessive compulsion (OCD).

While hoarding seems to be related to OCD, a vast percentage of individuals with hoarding problems do not exhibit other OCD symptoms. Even though some experts consider it a subtype of OCD, typical treatment plans have not been shown to be effective at treating the symptoms of hoarding.

2. Hoarding Is the Same Thing as Being Disorganized

[fat_widget_right]While being disorganized can be a problem itself, it is not as severe as hoarding. The major difference between someone who is hoarding and someone who is messy is hoarding can make it difficult for the person to function. People may accumulate so many items they can no longer sit on the sofa or use the stove. A person who hoards is often unable to get rid of such items even when they are no longer useful or they interfere with daily living. A messy person is usually able to let things go when necessary.

Hoarding is far more serious than being disorganized. Compulsive hoarding can affect a person’s ability to maintain relationships, keep a job, and take care of personal and household needs.

3. Cleaning Will Immediately Solve the Problem

Simply attempting to clean up a cluttered space without addressing the underlying issue typically fails to solve the problem. People may spend hours of time and thousands of dollars to clean out a space only to have the person relapse and start accumulating more stuff in just a few months.

Those whose homes are cleaned out without their permission also may experience extreme distress, complicating the issue. To completely stop hoarding, a holistic treatment plan may be more effective.

4. Hoarders Are Lazy, Dirty, and Unmotivated

Stereotyping people with a hoarding condition as dirty or lazy is an unfair stigma. People who hoard may have cognitive deficits in the brain, impairing their ability to make decisions as well as to keep things organized. Studies have also shown there may be a genetic component to hoarding problems.

Rather than being stigmatized, what people with a hoarding condition really need from others is compassion, empathy, and support.Assuming a person who hoards is also dirty adds to the stigma surrounding a hoarding condition. The term hoarding most often refers to the accumulation of objects and clutter rather than dirt. It is common for a person who hoards to keep a clean house despite the clutter.

Hoarding is also common after a major loss when a person is unable to cope with grief in a healthy way. People who hoard are not lazy; they are just less capable than the average person at carrying out tasks and making decisions. Rather than being stigmatized, what people with a hoarding condition really need from others is compassion, empathy, and support.

5. Hoarders Are Collectors

Hoarding and collecting are two different things. Collectors tend to keep their items organized and proudly on display for others to see. People who hoard will rarely display their possessions, usually keeping their belongings in complete disarray. They often feel embarrassment and shame when others see their mess.

Hoarding also differs from collecting because it often prevents normal usage of the home. For example, a person’s kitchen appliances may no longer be accessible as a result of clutter.

6. Hoarders Can’t Stop Hoarding

Though it can be difficult for an affected person to stop hoarding, compulsive hoarding can be treated. Medication has not been shown to be effective against hoarding, though it may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with it such as depression and anxiety.

Long-term therapy can effectively treat hoarding when combined with adequate education and support. Hoarding generally requires a holistic and comprehensive treatment program that addresses all aspects of a person’s life.

7. Hoarding Can Be Treated by a Single Medical Professional

Hoarding is a multi-faceted issue and typically requires a team of professionals to effectively treat the problem. Some professionals that may be involved in the treatment process include psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, professional organizers, building inspectors, and landlords, among others. These teams are often referred to as task forces, and approximately 75 cities currently have them in place to help those in the community who are struggling with hoarding.

If you or a loved one are struggling with hoarding problems, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or other mental health professional who specializes in hoarding.

References:

1. Baker, J., Bergren, M. G., Frost, J., Sanchez, L., Andreasen, T., & Bratiotis, C. (2014). Beyond the Sensationalism: Professional Responses to Hoarding Disorder in the Omaha Community. Retrieved from http://www.unomaha.edu/news/2014/04/hoardingwhitepaper.pdf
2. Bratiotis, C., Otte, S., et. al. (2014) Hoarding Fact Sheet. International OCD Foundation. Retrieved from https://iocdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Hoarding-Fact-Sheet.pdf
3. Dailey, S. G. (2013, February) Hoarding: A Complex Issue Needing Community Support. Age Wise: King County. Retrieved from http://www.agewisekingcounty.org/en/125/1/449/Hoarding-A-Complex-Issue-Needing-Community-Support.htm
4. Samuels, J., Shugart, Y., et al. (2007, March). Significant linkage to compulsive hoarding on chromosome 14 in families with obsessive-compulsive disorder: results from the OCD Collaborative Genetics Study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(3): 493-9. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17329475
5. Treneva, R. (2005, August 3). Hoarding: Myths and Misconceptions. Insight Bulletin. Retrieved from http://insightbulletin.com/hoarding-myths-and-misconceptions/
6. Webley, K. (2010, April 26). Hoarding: How Collecting Stuff Can Destroy Your Life. Retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1984444,00.html

Hoarding is a serious mental health condition that can expose people who do it to dangerous living conditions, the derision of family and friends, and social isolation. About 5% of the world’s population hoards, but only about 15% of people who hoard recognize that their behavior is irrational. If you’re concerned about someone you love who hoards, you can’t force your loved one to get better. You can, however, provide a supportive environment that encourages your loved one to seek help and makes recovery possible.

Don’t Take Their Possessions

If your loved one’s house is covered in old magazines or unused clothes, it can be tempting to “cure” him or her by taking the items he or she hoards. This won’t remedy the underlying problem, though, and it can destroy your relationship with your loved one. Moreover, people who hoard can experience serious emotional distress when their possessions are taken, so your good intentions may actually harm a person you love.

Don’t Enable the Behavior

While you can’t stop someone who hoards from hoarding, you can avoid enabling the behavior. If your friend hoards antiques, don’t invite her to go antiquing. If your mother is a compulsive collector, don’t add to her collection at every birthday and holiday. Don’t offer to store hoarded items for a loved one, and if you live with someone who has been hoarding, don’t allow their possessions to overtake your home.

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Educate Yourself

To the outside observer, hoarding just doesn’t make sense. If you want to help a loved one, learn as much as you can about this condition by reading websites, consulting mental health professionals, or even attending a support group for people who want to love and help people who hoard. Once you understand the fear, loneliness, and anxiety associated with hoarding, you may be better able to offer empathy and support.

Recognize Small Victories

Particularly among people who hoard who have had the habit for years, it can take months or years to get rid of hoarded possessions and for progress with the issue to become visible. If your loved one doesn’t feel like small victories matter, he or she will have little incentive to keep trying. Help your loved one celebrate small victories by praising them for throwing away a few items or refraining from buying new ones.

Help Them Sort Their Belongings

Some people who hoard accumulate so much stuff that it fills an entire house. Even after your loved one stops hoarding, he or she may have an entire home filled with hoarded items. Volunteer to help your loved one sort through his or her items and clean out the home. Some companies specialize in helping those who have hoarding issues clean up, so if you and your loved one are daunted by a packed home, consider contacting an organization that can help.

Don’t Clean Up for Them

Although helping your loved one sort his or her possessions can be helpful, doing it for him or her is not. Likewise, you can’t expect that the person in your life who is hoarding will make progress if you force him or her into treatment. These individuals need to make independent decisions, and this might mean waiting to intervene until the person you love is ready for help.

Help Your Loved One Find Treatment

Taking the first step toward treatment can be daunting, and it’s not always easy to find a qualified therapist. Don’t force your loved one into treatment, but consider researching treatment providers so you can offer information when your loved one is ready. GoodTherapy.org can help you find a therapist who specializes in hoarding.

References:

1. Hoarding and OCD, stats, characteristics, causes, treatment and resources. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.namimass.org/hoarding-and-ocd-stats-characteristics-causes-treatment-and-resources
2. Hoarding: The basics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/hoarding-basics
3. How to help the hoarder in your life: Some suggestions. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ocfoundation.org/eo_families_of_hoarders.aspx

Hoarding is a form of obsessive-compulsive behavior. An individual who exhibits hoarding tendencies has a difficult time letting go of physical items and becomes inundated with possessions, often to the point of causing physical and financial harm. Previous research has identified a link between people who hoard and obesity. Now, a new study led by Kiara R. Timpano of the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami, aims to determine if the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is responsible for that link. “Studies with gene-targeted murine models have demonstrated that Bdnf variation is linked with memory impairment, greater avoidance, greater anxiety, aggression, and obesity,” said Timpano. The variation, called the Val66Met SNP, was of particular interest to her and her team. “Considering specific psychiatric conditions, the Val66Met BDNF SNP has been associated with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including eating disorders,” she said.

Timpano and her team examined the BDNF gene in 301 participants who were classified with obsessive-compulsive behaviors. They used the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders Patient Edition (SCID-P) to identify OCD and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) to assess hoarding behaviors. The researchers also measured the body mass index (BMI) of each participant to determine obesity.

They found that more than half of the participants were above average weight, with 25.2% being classified as “overweight” and 27.2% as “obese.” They also discovered that the individuals with the highest BMI were also the most likely to exhibit hoarding behaviors. “Results revealed that individuals in the hoarding group were over two times more likely to be classified as obese compared with non-hoarders,” said Timpano. The team hopes this study helps advance research on this issue. They said, “This finding, in conjunction with our results, brain imaging evidence, and symptomatic and gender differences in hoarding compared with other forms of OCD, provide further credence to the growing notion of hoarding as a separable and distinct phenomenon.”

Reference:
Timpano, Kiara R., Norman B. Schmidt, Michael G. Wheaton, Jens R. Wendland, and Dennis L. Murphy. “Consideration of the BDNF Gene in Relation to Two Phenotypes: Hoarding and Obesity.” Journal of Abnormal Psychology 120.3 (2011): 700-07. Print.

If you’ve done any channel surfing at all in the last year or so, you might have come across a couple of documentary shows (Hoarders on A&E; Hoarding, Buried Alive on TLC) featuring people who are living with massive amounts of clutter and/or trash in their homes. The piles of “stuff” often reach to the ceilings, and there is barely space to stand, much less walk across a room. The programs show professional organizers and psychotherapists working with people to clean out their homes. If you’ve seen either of these shows, then you know what I mean when I say it’s something you don’t forget easily. Although the people being featured on the shows are treated with respect and compassion, the images are shocking and disturbing. How does this happen? Why do people do this? Can they be helped?

Contrary to what you might think, people experiencing compulsive hoarding are not just being lazy or careless. They are experiencing an anxiety related condition; although, there is disagreement in the medical/psychiatric community as to whether hoarding is its own issue, or that compulsive hoarding is a subtype of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Although many people experiencing OCD also exhibit hoarding behavior, not all people experiencing OCD also hoard, and many people who hoard have no other symptoms of OCD.

People who compulsively hoard do experience excessive extreme anxiety, doubting, checking, and reassurance seeking before discarding items, which does suggest a close relationship to OCD. However, recent research suggests that compulsive hoarding may also be associated with a range of other psychiatric conditions, in addition to OCD. Compulsive hoarding behavior has been reported in disorders including schizophrenia, social phobia, eating disorders, depression, and dementia. In studies of the brain, researchers compared neurochemical activity and patterns of blood flow in the brain of people who compulsively hoard and people who experience OCD who did not hoard. They found that the neurochemical activity and blood flow patterns in people who hoard were different than those in people with OCD, suggesting that compulsive hoarding is a separate symptom/condition from OCD.

Many, if not most, people have a certain amount of clutter in at least one part of their homes. Where is the line between average messiness and compulsive hoarding? Hoarding behavior includes:

• Acquiring and keeping, indefinitely, a large number of possessions which appear to be useless or of limited value
• Living in spaces so intensely cluttered as to preclude activities for which those spaces were designed
• Significant distress or impairment in functioning caused by the hoarding (e.g., health problems, inability to keep a job, difficult relationships or lack of relationships with other people)
• Reluctance or inability to return borrowed items; impulsiveness and compulsion to acquire more “things” sometimes leading to stealing or shoplifting

Why/how does a person cross the line from messiness to hoarding? There are several proposed explanations for the causes of hoarding behavior. Investigators have suggested that errant cognitive processing leads to hoarding. These include information processing deficits, meaning that people who hoard have substantial problems focusing and sustaining attention, difficulty categorizing and prioritizing their possessions, and difficulty in making decisions about their possessions.

Maladaptive beliefs about, and extreme emotional attachment to, possessions may also contribute to a person’s hoarding behavior. People who hoard have an exaggerated sense of responsibility for their possessions, and desire complete control over them. They experience intense emotional distress (anxiety, grief, or guilt) about the ideas of discarding or losing an object, leading to avoidance, and escape in the form of saving and acquiring.

There are also studies showing that difference in brain activity and /or brain injury can lead to hoarding behavior. Scientists have identified the areas of the brain involved in hoarding. One study showed reduced glucose metabolism in certain areas of the brains of compulsive hoarders. Some people with traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases have also developed hoarding behavior.

In the past, clinicians have used the same treatment methods for compulsive hoarding that they used for OCD, with poor results. While medication, cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy have all been effective treatments for OCD, they have been shown to be of little benefit for compulsive hoarding. People with hoarding behavior have high instances of poor insight, refusal of treatment, lack of cooperation, and inability to recognize hoarding as a problem, all contributing to difficulty in effective treatment.

There is hope for people who hoard, though. In a recent study, researchers designed a new cognitive-behavioral treatment especially for treating compulsive hoarding. In this treatment, motivational interviewing (getting people excited about the seriousness of the hazards of hoarding and the benefits of clearing out their homes), skills training for organizing and problem solving, and modification of beliefs about possessions are emphasized. Also, treatment includes frequent off-site sessions in which therapists helped people to sort, discard, and learn to resist acquiring more items. People typically respond more positively when the therapists are at the home with them, assisting them with sorting and discarding.

The sight of such intense messiness and disarray is certainly disturbing to see, but knowing that hoarding is a symptom of a person who is possibly experiencing severe emotional distress, hopefully, helps to engender compassion and patience in friends and family members. Information about help for hoarding can be found online at www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/.