Hoarding

Compulsive Hoarding.

Compulsive hoarding is a widespread psychological disorder characterized by a number of different types of behavior. The biggest behavior that is associated with this disorder is an inability to throw away any thing in their lives. The other type of behavior associated with compulsive hoarding is the person who actively seeks out new possessions rather than hold onto their own belongings. Both types of behavior will be discussed.

The first type of compulsive hoarding is the person who continues to hold onto everything that crosses their path. This can include things they own, things that are given to them, and even trash. In some extreme cases individuals have been found to have over thirty years of old newspapers piled up in their basement, or stacks of old magazines dating to the 1960's in their home.

The second type of compulsive hoarding is the person who becomes obsessed with one item, or one type of item. The individual will do everything that is necessary to achieve as many versions of that item as possible. Take for instance the woman who becomes obsessed with lamps. She does not care if the lamp works, or if she already has the same lamp, she wants more. She will do everything she can to ensure that she finds as many lamps as possible to the point where she digs through her neighbor’s trash for another lamp.

With compulsive hoarding a person typically feels a strong emotional attachment to an item. They become so attached to even meaningless possessions that they simply cannot bare to part with them. They may find themselves holding onto everything they can, even if those items should be thrown out. This can include old bills, old newspapers, and broken items that most people would throw away.

The other type of compulsive hoarding relates to a problem in the way the brain processes information. The person may want to throw away some items, but cannot due to the way their brain functions. In this situation there is a problem with the decision making portion of the brain in that the individual is unable to process information and make a rational decision. This type of compulsive hoarding is far more serious because it can place more strain on the individual. The individual wants to make a decision but simply cannot do it. Compulsive hoarding of this nature may be cured using different types of medication.

Compulsive hoarding is a serious psychological disorder that has been shown to have a link to obsessive compulsive disorder. There has also been a link established between compulsive hoarding and problems in their personal and professional lives, as well as a link to certain medical conditions. It can cause immense strain on personal relationships, and also lead to depression and other situations. In some extreme cases individuals have lost their families, spouses, friends, jobs, and even homes due to their problem. It is recommended that anyone who has a compulsive hoarding problem should seek professional help for their problem.