Are You A Hoarder?
We have recently developed an innovative method for treating a common symptom of several disorders, the compulsive hoarding of objects.
Hoarding is defined as the acquisition of, and inability to discard, items that most people feel have little or no value. Compulsive shopping is associated with hoarding, and is another focus of treatment. Compared to individuals who “collect” items as a hobby, compulsive hoarders find themselves excessively acquiring things, having difficulty throwing them away, and creating extensive clutter in their homes, cars, rental storage units, offices, lockers, and garages..
Hoarding behaviors pose dangerous risks to individuals, as well as to entire communities. Extensive clutter increases fire hazards and injury in the home. Hoarding is often linked to monetary difficulties, as the costs of items hoarded and storage for hoarded items may become astronomical over time. In some cases, hoarders have allowed their items to spill into their yards, sidewalks, porches, and even neighboring properties. More affluent Hoarders have rented storage lockers, built sheds, added wings to their houses, and even purchased additional homes to contain their possessions.
Hoarders feel comforted by their possessions despite the fact that their possessions are rarely of any practical use to them. While it may be reasonable for a person to own two or three flower vases, it is unlikely that she will ever be able to put several hundred to use (especially if she also has hundreds of newspapers, towels, flip flops, and toothbrushes). Compulsive hoarding often exists as a symptom of psychiatric disorders (such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Anorexia, or Dementia), but can also be a behavior that exists on its own. Hoarding causes difficulties in familial and romantic relationships and individuals who hoard are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems. However, most individuals do not recognize that this behavior is largely psychological and may be treated with psychotherapy, behavior modification, and medication.
Our treatment team provides a unique method of treating compulsive hoarding. We provide consultation, in home assessment and treatment, and medication. Our doctors use a variety of tools to assess progress in treatment and are on call seven days a week. Because we know that hoarding causes difficulties to entire families, our staff offers consultation to family members and other individuals involved in the patient’s care.
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