Hoarders often create rooms in their homes that can no longer be used as they are intended due to an accumulation of clutter. Hoarders often collect newspapers, magazines, brochures, and other documents that contain information so that they can read and digest the information at a later date, but many do not get around to actually reading the papers. Hoarders attach strong emotions to objects and feel that possessions offer them a sense of comfort or security. They may feel as though letting go of a possession is losing a part of themselves.
Try not to spend too much time focusing on the clutter or objects themselves, as this will likely cause the hoarder to become defensive. For example, you might say “I care about you, and I am concerned for your safety. The apartment has become quite dusty and moldy, and because of the large piles everywhere, I don’t think you could get out quickly and safely in an emergency. ”
Try to use the language the hoarder uses to refer to the clutter. If the hoarder call the items his collection or his things, mirror the language he uses to seem more non-confrontational.
Some examples of questions to ask include: “I notice there are a lot of books in the hallway. Why did you decide to put them there?” “I’m concerned these could be a tripping hazard in an emergency. Do you have somewhere else we could put them?” “Do you have any thoughts about how we could make this area safer?”
Do not focus the goals on negatives (get rid of all of this junk). Do not set vague goals like “get the house clean and organized. ” A better goal would be “clear the hallway and make all exit doors easily accessible. ” Start with the bigger concerns about health and safety, then move on to smaller goals that will improve quality of life.
Do not nag, force, or punish someone who is struggling with hoarding. Do not argue or yell at a person who is hoarding. Instead, try to team up with him to work towards a goal together. [8] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source
Start by labeling boxes or bags with “keep,” “trash,” and “donate. ” You probably need to make a space to pile items to think about or come back to. Group similar items together. Seeing a large quantity of a single thing may help the hoarder make peace with reducing the number of a specific item. For example, if he has 100 boxes of tissue, he may be willing to reduce the number of boxes to 50. This is a small step, but it will help. Categorize “want” and “don’t want. ” You can start the “don’t want” pile with something that is an easier decision, like food items that have expired or dead plants. Discuss where things that are to be kept will go. This may be a specific room in the house or a storage unit.
Specific hazards that can result from hoarding include: blocked exits creating fire hazards or building code violations increased health risk for environmental irritants such as mold and dust as well health code violations decreased hygienic habits due to inability to perform hygienic tasks such as bathing increased isolation and avoidance of socializing strained family relationships, child neglect, and separation or divorce
People who collect one type of thing—like dolls, stamps, antique end tables, figurines, etc—and organizes them in a particular way are not hoarders; they are collectors. Do not let your own feelings about cleanliness, organization, and whether to keep important or significant items influence you to label someone who is disorganized or a collector as a hoarder. [13] X Research source
You can provide space for your loved one’s things while addressing your concerns about the hoarding and maintaining your own need for a less cluttered environment.
anxiety trauma depression attention deficit disorder or hyperactivity alcohol abuse being raised in chaotic homes schizophrenia dementia excessive-compulsive disorder personality disorders
The particular method of CBT used with hoarders is called exposure and response prevention, which desensitizes participants to the things that they fear and reduces their responses to that fear. Medications prescribed for hoarders are often SSRI antidepressants that are used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder as well. Some of these medications include Anafranil, Zofran, Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil. [19] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source
It may be necessary for public health or animal welfare agencies to intervene with the hoarder.
