Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome
Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome Causes
The cause of the condition is unclear but it is believed to that genetics and upbringing may have a part in triggering it.
Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome Definition
Compulsive hoarding syndrome is an individual's excessive collection of items that may or may not have value and inability to inability to discard these things.
Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome Diagnosis
Mental health specialists diagnose patients through a psychological evaluation in which an individual is asked about obsessions, compulsions, and emotional well-being. The patient may also fill out questionnaires. If the disorder is suspected, the individual is further asked questions especially on collecting habits. The specialist also checks for three hoarding characteristics such as acquisition of a large number of things that may or may not have value and inability to discard these things, a cluttered home with spaces that cannot be used as intended, and distress over hoarding and impaired daily activities.
Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome Symptoms and Signs
Homes of people with compulsive hoarding syndrome have stacks of stuff on most surfaces in the house such as stairways, desks, stoves, countertops, or sinks. They may even spread their clutter in the yard, garage, or vehicles when there is no more space in the house. They are so preoccupied with their collection prohibiting them from socializing with family and friends.
Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome Treatment
The disorder may be treated through psychotherapy and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and paroxetine.