Hoarding and Health

The reality show Hoarders brought public attention to hoarding disorder, a condition that often remains behind closed doors. Hoarding disorder was recognized as a mental health condition in 2013. 

Hoarding can transform a home into a hazardous maze, with towering piles of belongings cluttering every corner. These crowded spaces make it difficult to move freely, turning simple tasks into challenges and increasing the risk of trips, falls, and injuries. Dust and mold often settle into the chaos, triggering respiratory distress, while the isolation of living in such an environment takes a toll on social connections.

Research has highlighted connections between hoarding disorder and other conditions, such as obesity. Hoarding is a signal of executive functioning difficulties, such as self-control and flexible thinking. Approximately 2% of the global population struggles with hoarding disorder. Many individuals find it challenging to recognize or disclose their stockpiling behaviors due to feelings of shame or a lack of insight into the problem, which makes it difficult for friends and family to provide support. When individuals are unaware of their condition, it becomes harder for them to seek help from a mental health professional.

Focusing on screening, offering treatment, and providing cleaning or sorting interventions when individuals are ready to seek help can dramatically improve quality of life.

A 2023 review found that general practitioners (GPs) are in a prime position to recognize hoarding disorder and initiate meaningful conversations with patients. Treatment options for the disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and anti-depressant medications, though evidence of their effectiveness is limited.

Rachel Prosser and her colleagues have shed light on the profound effects of stigma on those affected by hoarding. Their research reveals that both individuals with hoarding disorder and their families often endure societal stigma, including being labeled as lazy, irresponsible, or unclean.

The stigma surrounding hoarding disorder can affect health care professionals, causing misunderstandings about the condition and leading to frustration when attempting to provide effective support. Prosser and her colleagues assert that tackling stigma is essential for enhancing treatment outcomes for individuals living with hoarding disorder, and they recommend providing specialized training to improve understanding and management of the disorder.

Given the significant health implications of hoarding disorder, prioritizing effective interventions is more urgent than ever. Focusing on screening, offering treatment, and providing cleaning or sorting interventions when individuals are ready to seek help can dramatically improve quality of life.