Hoarders have problems throwing things away, and buy and acquire things often of out of a fear of not being able to purchase it later. Things are kept out of fear they may need it later or for sentimental reasons. Clutter accumulates to the point it makes finding things difficult, and their home unusable and unhealthy. It can also lead to financial problems. Clutter can accumulate to the point that there are paths leading through stacks of clutter. Things they hoard may be things others would think of as trash. People with hoarding disorder often feel that they really need all of this stuff, and do not feel they have a problem.
According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-V (DSM-5) symptoms of hoarding include:
1. Persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. 2. This difficulty is due to a perceived need to save the items and distress associated with discarding them. 3. Difficulty discarding possessions results in the accumulation of possessions. The congested clutter in living areas substantially compromises their intended use. If living areas are uncluttered, it is only because of interventions of 3rd parties (e.g.; family members, cleaners, authorities). 4. The hoarding causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (including maintaining a safe environment for self and others). 5. The hoarding is not explained by other disorders.
Wartel Behavioral Services, P. C. 6346 Orchard Lake Rd., Suite 107 West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322 Phone: (248) 626-1330 Fax: (248) 626-9170 E-mail: drwartel@gmail.com
