Compulsive hoarding – also known as pathological hoarding – is defined as the acquisition of possessions and the failure to discard them, even if the items are worthless or no longer useful. Hoarded items fill the person’s home, and can negatively impact day-to-day activities and relationships, and can even pose fire and safety risks.
Dr. Randy Frost, PHD, says hoarding involves three distinct behaviours:
1. The acquisition of, and failure to discard a large number of possessions that appear to be useless or of limited value
2. Living in spaces so cluttered regular activities meant for those spaces is impossible
3. Significant distress or impairment in functioning caused by the hoarding (Frost and Hartl, 1996)
It’s estimated more than 1 million Canadians could be diagnosed as hoarders, and, since the prevalence of hoarding increases with age, that number is likely continuing to rise.
Hoarding is classified as an anxiety and panic disorder by the Canadian Mental Health Association, but will be named an official mental disorder in the newest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Hoarding has long been recognized as a symptom that can occur along with other anxiety conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Phobia or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Get daily National news
There has been increasing awareness of hoarding in recent years, and the belief that it may represent a condition unto itself; similar but still separate from other conditions like OCD (Pertusa, 2008).
Red Flags:
Clutter: While collectors and hoarders alike may accumulate clutter, the clutter that results from a hoarder will prevent the normal use of living spaces. (For instance, a bed is filled with so much clutter it cannot be used for sleeping.)
Distress: Hoarding can often be stressful. While a collector will typically show pride in their collection, a hoarder will often view their piles of items with distress. Be especially wary if this distress causes impaired functioning in daily life or in key relationships.
An Urge to Save: A hoarder will have an urge to save even the most absurd things. Hoarders will often place sentimental value on random material belongings.
No Guests: A person routinely avoids having anyone inside their home, and always wants to meet somewhere else.
Animals: You observe a number of animals in and around their place of work or residence.
Compulsive shopping: the urge to accumulate possessions
Like many anxiety conditions, hoarding is typically treated with Cognitive behavioural therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
If you have a loved one who you believe may be hoarding, experts with the Hoarding Centre of the International OCD say it’s best to tell them you’re worried about them and ask if you can be helpful in any way. They say offer positive reinforcement for positive behaviour; even the smallest improvements. Experts say avoid using negative comments that shame or embarrassment the possible hoarder.
Hoarders Help Canada says offers a list of the ten most common items that are hoarded:
1. Paper, especially newspaper
2. Everyday items that just don’t get put away
3. Recycling materials that don’t get recycled
4. Clothing
5. Plastic bags
6. Sentimental items that remind of a happier time
7. Mechanical things; car parts, electronic equipment, tools, etc
8. Wool, fabric, craft supplies
9. Furniture
10. Animals
Places to find help:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Helpings Hands Personal Assistance
This organization helps seniors and their families handle and clean up hoarding issues.
This Full House
Led by the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE), seniors in Edmonton are helping to raise awareness in their community by participating in This Full House–A Pilot Intervention to Assist Elderly Compulsive Hoarders -one of just two programs in the country that formally address issues of hoarding in individuals aged 55 and over.
For more information call 780-701-9005 or email dsimmons@MySage.ca
Hoarders Help Canada
Calgary
403-395-2403
Ontario
Hoarders’ Help
1-905-246-1843
Comments