Have you ever found someone's house or room so filled with stuff that it's hard to move? This could be a sign of hoarding disorder , a habit of storing excessive items and refusing to throw them away. If left unchecked, these piles not only create dust and dirt, but also increase the risk of heart disease.
What Is Hoarding Disorder?
A mental disorder characterized by persistent difficulty throwing away or letting go of items, regardless of their true value. This leads to overcrowding and disorganization in the home or living space, ultimately disrupting daily functioning.
The characteristics are:
- Having difficulty throwing away items, even if they are damaged or unused
- Feelings of anxiety or discomfort arise when asked to throw away items that one owns.
- Storing too many items, even items that are no longer useful
- The house becomes crowded so that it interferes with activities (for example, it is difficult to cook, sleep or even move)
- Social relations become disturbed because other people become uncomfortable visiting.
Causes and Risk Factors
1. Psychological Factors
- There is a fear of loss
- The nature / characteristics of a perfectionist individual
- There is trauma of loss
2. Biological Factors
- Imbalance of brain function (especially in the areas of decision making & impulse control)
3. Environmental Factors
- Having a difficult life experience
- Harsh or deficient parenting
4. Related Conditions
- Often occurs together with depression
- The presence of anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Impact of Hoarding Disorder
1. Physical Health
- Risk of falling
- Fire
- Poor sanitation
- The emergence of disease
2. Mental Health
The emergence of several mental problems or disorders, including:
- Stress
- Depression
- Shame
- Social isolation
3. Daily life
- It is difficult to use the space of the house well
- Decreased quality of life
4. Relationship
- There are family conflicts and social conflicts between neighbors.
- If it continues, it is not uncommon for it to reach the legal realm.
Hoarding Disorder Diagnosis
According to DSM-5, the criteria for Hoarding Disorder include:
- Having difficulty excreting
- There is a strong urge to save
- Accumulation of items that make the house unusable as it should be
- Causing significant suffering or disruption in life
- There are no other accompanying medical conditions (e.g. brain injury) or other disorders.
Hoarding Disorder Treatment
Hoarding Disorder can be treated through:
1. Psychotherapy
A form of therapy that aims to help individuals overcome psychological problems so they can get out of the problems they face.
Some forms of psychotherapy include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helping to change the way of thinking about the problems faced in this case regarding ownership of goods
- Decision-making & Management Skills Therapy
2. Pharmacotherapy
Therapy using drugs such as:
- Antidepressants (if there is accompanying depression or anxiety)
3. Family & community support
Family and community support are crucial for individuals experiencing this disorder. They can help through empathy, not judgment. Family and community support can gradually support individuals as they declutter their belongings.
4. Self-help
Directing individuals who experience this disorder by:
- Given directions to create a small decluttering schedule
- Practice tolerance for anxiety when throwing things away
Prevention and Education
Hoarding Disorder is not simply a "hoarding habit," but a serious mental health disorder that impacts the sufferer's life and their environment. Therefore, appropriate treatment is necessary so that sufferers can overcome their problem by learning to manage their hoarding urges and improving their quality of life, including:
- Providing education about increasing awareness of the importance of mental health
- Learn inventory management skills from an early age
- Providing support to individuals with early signs of hoarding
Article written by Dra. Ratu Ade Waznah Sofwat, MPsi, Psi (Psychologist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).