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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Collectors of Garbage- Hoarding Part 1

One typical feature of hoarding that immediately leads one to suspect hoarding is the amount of clutter and junk surrounding the home. A common scenario that almost all compulsive hoarders display is the inability to get around/sleep in their own bedroom because of the amount of junk. Hoarding is not only limited to the bedroom or the home. Most hoarders store items in cars, garages, at friend’s homes, in the shed and even in rental spaces.

Many individuals who compulsively hoard items, have improbable fears relating on whether to dispose of their useless belongings. These deceptive beliefs include anxiety, guilt and embarrassment. There is some evidence that indicates that hoarders use the accumulated junk as a form of reassurance and safety.

Hoarding may sound like a harmless thing but it is far more serious and can affect daily living. The diagnosis of hoarding is relatively easily made by a mental health care expert.

The treatment of hoarding unfortunately is quite difficult.

Most of these individuals do not believe they are hoarding and stubbornly refuse to seek help. The two types of treatments currently available to treat hoarding include psychotherapy and medications. Both Cognitive behavior therapy and various serotonin reuptake inhibitors have made some difference in the lives of hoarders but relapse rates are high. Cessation of treatment is often associated with relapse.

Because the disorder is so poorly understood, there is no preventive method.

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