"There is a difference between a 'collector' and a true 'hoarder.' With the hoarder, the person simply cannot discard items, " says Stephanie Glover, a director at Behavioral Healthcare Options. "They cannot throw things away because they feel better and safer when surrounded by the things they've collected."
Hoarding typically runs in families and usually starts in early adolescence.
One theory is that hoarding is linked to emotional deprivation, especially a lack of family warmth. Collecting starts as a way to cope because being surrounded by things makes the person feel better.
Perfectionism also plays a role. "Hoarders often worry about making the right decision," Glover said. "Should they keep something or throw it away? Sometimes they get so distressed thinking about it, they end up keeping everything."
Medication and psychotherapy can help. But if you are worried about someone, Glover advises speaking with a mental health professional before trying to intervene.
Warning Signs:
- Saving items that are seen by most as unnecessary, even worthless, such as newspapers, magazines, and old trash and mail.
- Compulsively buying or saving excessive quantities of any kind of item.
- Treating all saved items with equal value, whether it is an expensive necklace or an old shopping list.
- Experiencing intense anxiety or distress when attempting to discard, or even thinking of discarding, something that everyone else considers worthless.
- Saving things as a way to combat anxiety provoking thoughts.
- Having furniture, kitchen equipment or rooms that cannot be used for the intended purpose.
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