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Hoarding Disorder

• Hoarding disorder is a distinct mental health condition characterized by difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.

Prevalence of Hoarding Disorder

• Approximately 2-5% of the general population has hoarding disorder, with a higher prevalence of 10-15% among individuals diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder).

Consequences of Serious Hoarding

• Serious hoarding can lead to potential consequences, including: • Fire hazards and safety risks • Unsanitary living conditions • Social isolation and loneliness • Financial difficulties • Strained relationships with family and friends

Negative Effects of Hoarding Disorder

• Hoarding disorder can have a significant negative impact on an individual's life, including: • Emotional distress and anxiety • Cluttered living space, making it difficult to perform daily activities • Strained relationships with family and friends • Feeling overwhelmed and ashamed

Treatment of Hoarding Disorder

• The most difficult aspect of treating animal hoarders is the strong emotional attachment to animals, which can make it challenging to intervene.
• The most common way people with hoarding disorder amass items is by acquiring free items, buying in bulk, or feeling the need to save items.

Common Beliefs and Organizing Attempts

• Common beliefs that maintain hoarding behavior include: • Fear of losing important items or memories • Believing that items have sentimental value or potential usefulness • Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of discarding items
• Attempts at organizing for most people with hoarding problems often result in: • Feeling frustrated and anxious • Increased clutter and disorganization • Difficulty making decisions about what to keep or discard

Exterior Signs of Hoarding

• Exterior signs of hoarding include: • Cluttered exterior spaces, such as yards or porches • Accumulation of trash or recyclables • Overgrown gardens or landscaping

Components of Hoarding Disorder

• The three components of hoarding disorder are: • Difficulty discarding or parting with possessions • Cluttered living spaces • Distress or impairment in daily life due to hoarding

Types of Hoarding

• Ordinary hoarding refers to the accumulation of clutter, trash, or items with no sentimental value.
• Trash hoarding involves the accumulation of trash, rotting food, or hazardous waste.
• Animal hoarding involves the accumulation of animals, often with inadequate care or living conditions.
• The key difference between ordinary hoarding and trash hoarding is the presence of hazardous waste or unsanitary conditions.

Mentalities Associated with Hoarding Disorder

• Mentalities associated with hoarding disorder include: • Emotional attachment to items • Fear of loss or deprivation • Perfectionism • Trauma or stress

Onset of Hoarding

• The onset of hoarding is usually reported during the teenage years or early twenties, with symptoms often worsening over time.