HOARDING

Aroostook Area Agency on Aging

Sharon Berz, MSW, LCSW, MGS-F
Ruth White, Husson Graduate Student
http://psychiatry.ucsd.edu/OCD_hoarding.html
 Hoarding pre-test
• 1. Compulsive hoarding is typically considered
what type of mental disorder?
• 2. How many Americans are compulsive
hoarders?
• 3. Which of the following is not a cause of
compulsive hoarding?
 Hoarding Pre-test
• 4.What is the name of the assessment tool
developed by the National Study Group on chronic
disorganization?
• 5. T/F Not all hoarders excessively collect or save
objects, some hoard animals.
• 6. Which is not a characteristic of hoarding?
 Hoarding Pre-test
• 7. T/F Hoarding runs in families.
• 8. One of the following treatments is not used
as a strategy for alleviating hoarding
symptoms and triggers.
• 9. T/F Hoarding symptoms are commonly seen
only in adults.
• 10. Compulsive hoarders may be at risk for
health issues due to all of the following
except:
Do you or someone you know a
compulsive hoarding problem?
Clutter? Distress caused by clutter:
• Can’t have friends over to your
home embarrassed
• Keep the shades drawn so no
one can see in
• Get in arguments over the
clutter
• Are at risk of falling
• Feel depressed or anxious
because of the clutter
• Moving things from one pile to
another
Are you hanging on to: Are you storing stuff & can’t use
• Junk mail • Beds –you can’t sleep in
• Old catalogs, newspapers • Kitchens –unable to cook in
• Items for sewing or • Tables-can’t eat on
crafting-which you never do
• Chairs or sofas can’t sit on
• Things you may want to give
others- but never do
• Clothes you’ll
wear…someday
• Broken things you’ll
fix…someday
 Compulsive hoarders
• Accumulate things in home that others may
not consider worth saving or stockpiling
• Clutter interferes with normal use of home
• The people may be impaired
• Not, “NOT less intelligent—have not learned
how to manage the amount of stuff they
have” (Ron Alford, Managing Director of Disaster Masters)
Case Studies
grahamdavey.blogspot.com
 Hoarding DSM-5 (300.3)

• 80-90% display excessive acquisition

– Excessive buying
– Acquisition of free items (leaflets, things discarded
by others)
 Diagnostic features
Criteria A Criteria B
• Persistent difficulty • Save possessions &
discarding or parting with experience distress when
possessions facing the prospect of
• Reasons: perceived utilities, discarding them
aesthetic value, strong • Saving possessions is
sentimental attachment intentional
• Avoid being wasteful
• Fear of losing important
information
 Diagnostic features
Items filling up & cluttering
Criterion C*
living space
• Large numbers of items fill
up and clutter active living
areas so that their intended
use is no longer possible
• IE unable to cook in kitchen,
sleep in bed, or sit on chair
Clutter is a large group of
• Emphasizes the “active” usually unrelated or
living areas of the home marginally related objects
piled together in a
disorganized fashion in
spaces designed for other
purposes (*DSM 5)
 Diagnostic features *(DSM 5)

Inside a hoarders house Criterion D*

• Causes clinically significant
distress or impairment in a
social, occupational, or
other or other important
areas of functioning

• Including maintaining a safe

environment for self and
others

https://www.google.com/#q=pictures+of+hoarding
 Diagnostic features
• Criterion E*: It is not attributable to another
medical condition

• Criterion F*: it is not better explained by the

symptoms of another mental disorder

*DSM 5
www.clutte
rhoardingcl
eanup.com
 RISK FACTORS
• Age- starts in early adolescence, around age 13 or 14, and it tends
to get worse with age. Younger children may start saving items,
such as broken toys, pencil nubs, outdated school papers and
broken appliances.
• Family history- very strong association between having a family
member who is a compulsive hoarder and becoming a hoarder
yourself.
• Stressful life events- Some people develop hoarding after
experiencing a stressful life event that they had difficulty coping
with, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, eviction or losing
possessions in a fire.
• A history of alcohol abuse- About half of hoarders have a history of
alcohol dependence.
• Social isolation- People who hoard are typically socially withdrawn
and isolated
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding/basics/risk-factors/con-20031337
 Hoarding Symptoms
• Cluttered living spaces • Hoarders save random
• Unable to throw things items they encounter in
away their daily life and store
• Difficulty organizing things them haphazardly in their
homes or surrounding areas
• Difficulty managing daily
activities, including
procrastination and trouble • Versus a ‘collector’ of
making decisions stamps, coins, which are
• Acquiring unneeded or categorized and/or
seemingly useless items, displayed
including trash or napkins
from a restaurant

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding/basics/symptoms/con-20031337
 Mayo Clinic*
• “Hoarding, also called compulsive hoarding
and compulsive hoarding syndrome, may be a
symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD). But many people who hoard don't
have other OCD-related symptoms.”

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding/basics/definition/CON-20031337
 What is hoarding?

• “a pattern of behavior that is characterized by

the excessive acquisition of and inability or
unwillingness to discard large quantities of
objects that cover the living areas of the home
and cause significant distress or impairment”*

*DSM 5
 Is this hoarding or merely being
untidy?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ann-brenoff/is-your-mom-or-dad-a-hoarder_b_1365521.html#slide=807496
 Hoarding contrasts
• Normal collecting is • There may be poor
organized and insight, individual may
systematic not report distress
• Does not produce the • Any attempt to clear by
clutter, the distress, or a 3rd party results in
impairment levels of distress
 Common Features
• Indecisiveness
• Perfectionism
• Avoidance
• Procrastination
• Difficulty planning & organizing tasks
• Distractibility
 Common Features* (*DMS 5)

• Unsanitary living conditions

• Animal hoarding-accumulating large # and
failure to provide minimal standards of
nutrition, sanitation, or vet care
• Most prominent difference between object
and animal hoarding: the extent of unsanitary
conditions and poor insight
 Prevalance
• 2%-6% clinically significant in U.S. & Europe
• Both Men and Women (studies and reports
lean both ways)
• 3x more prevalent in older adults (55-94yrs)
compared to 34-44 yr olds
 Development & Course* (*DSM 5)

• First emerges around 11-15 years of age

• Starts interfering in everyday function by mid-
20’s; causes clinically significant impairment
by mid-30’s
• Severity increases with each decade of life
 Who?
• 3-6 million hoarders • Saved: rubber bands,
nationwide (www.tlc.com) paper bags, empty
• “Problematic cluttering cereal boxes, aluminum
behavior” foil, Christmas paper,
• Older Americans who bows, broken
experienced the Great appliances
Depression or WWII
 Who?
www.symptomfind.com/diseases-conditions/compulsive-hoarding

• More frequently in men

• Develops earlier in women
• Can be in children and can worsen
• Characteristics:
– Perfectionism
– Depression or anxiety
– Memory problems
– Short attention spans
 “Impaired Decision Making Traced to Salience
Network”
(Study by NIMH 2012)

• “In patients with hoarding disorder, parts of a

decision-making brain circuit under-activated
when dealing with others’ possessions,
• but over-activated when deciding whether to
keep or discard their own things”

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2012/brain-hubs-boil-when-hoarders-face-pitching-their-own-
stuff.shtml
 “Impaired Decision Making traced to Salience
Network”
(study by NIMH 8/09/12 press release)

• “The new findings pinpoint brain circuit

activity suspected of underlying:
• the lack of self-insight, indecisiveness, sense
that the wrong decision is being made,
inflated estimates of the desirability of
objects, and exaggerated perception of risk
• that are often experienced with the disorder.”
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2012/brain-hubs-boil-when-hoarders-face-pitching-their-own-
stuff.shtml
 What happens physiologically?
• Patients had to decide
whether to keep or discard
their own possessions; it
under-activated during
decision-making about
others’ possessions. The left
and right insula (upper left
and right) similarly
differentially activated in
hoarding disorder patients
during this task.
• (Picture shows fMRI data
superimposed on structural Anterior cingulate cortex (center)
MRI scan)* over-activated when hoarding
disorder *http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-
news/2012/brain-hubs-boil-when-hoarders-face-pitching-
their-own-stuff.shtml
 So …what happens…
www.symptomfind.com/diseases-conditions/compulsive-hoarding

• Person talks frequently about h/h possessions

• Person does not let you into house or into a
certain part of the house
• Person puts off repairs or paying bills
• Person shops often & acquiring more things
• Person very disorganized views cleaning &
organizing as major tasks
 WHY??
Emotional attachment Not wanting waste
• Sentimental value • Each item has it’s own
• Associate the items as being purpose
part of their identity • May be able to use it in the
future so would be a waste
to get rid of it

• www.symptomfind.com/diseases-conditions/compulsive-hoarding
 Why?
• Fear of losing important information
– See items as a source of information
– Save them for when they need it

• Genetics can be an underlying cause (85%)

• Can begin after strokes, surgery, injuries, or
infections
• Family experience/upbringing
• Psychological issues
• Brain abnormalities
 Why?
• Have difficulty processing information
• Inability to focus on cleaning or organization
• Inability to make decisions when confronted
w/ large amounts of information
• Failure to categorize (can’t see commonality of
objects)
• Worsens with age if symptomology existed in
early years
 Inside a hoarders home…

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&p=pictures+of+a+home+hoarding+issu
 Hoarding complications
• Unsanitary conditions
that pose a risk to health
• Increased risk of falls
• An inability to perform
daily tasks, such as
bathing or cooking
• Poor work performance
• Family conflicts
• Loneliness and social
isolation
• A fire hazard
 Mayo Clinic

• “People who hoard often don't see it as a

problem, making treatment challenging.
But intensive treatment can help people who
hoard understand their compulsions and live
safer, more enjoyable lives."

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding/basics/definition/CON-20031337
 Is this merely being untidy or is it
hoarding?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ann-brenoff/is-your-mom-or-dad-a-hoarder_b_1365521.html#slide=807947
 Potential ?’s to ask…
• Do you avoid throwing things away because you
believe you might need them later, or because
they have emotional significance?
• How often do you decide to acquire or keep
things you don't have space or use for?
• How would it make you feel if you had to discard
some of your things?
• Does the clutter in your home keep you from
using rooms for their intended purpose, such as
cooking, washing dishes or taking a bath?
 Potential ?’s to ask…
• Does clutter prevent you from inviting people
to visit your home?
• How does clutter in your home affect your
family members?
• Does it take you a long time to perform daily
tasks because of clutter or because you feel a
need to do things perfectly?
• Do you have so many pets that you can't care
for them properly?
 ?’s to ask
• Have others encouraged you to seek
professional help?
• Do you have a first-degree relative — a parent
or sibling — who is a pack rat?
• Are you currently being treated for any other
medical conditions, including mental illness?
 Solutions
• Get inside the house
• Monitor hoarding problems
• Approach topic with sensitivity instead of judgment
• Don’t refer to items as “junk” or “clutter”
• Ask: “what is it you can’t do that you would like to
do?”
• Stay neutral and offer to help
• Support from those around them
 Solutions
www.symptomfind.com/diseases-conditions/compulsive-hoarding

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Change how they think –Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
– Uncover the underlying reason why
– Help decide what’s important to keep & unnecessary
• Start thinking they are not chronically disorganized or they
need help
• Get help to organize
• Realize they don’t need to be ashamed
• Medications-antidepressants
• Support groups (International OCD Foundation)
• Use Hoarding Scale for each room
 Hoarding post test
• 1. Compulsive hoarding is typically considered
what type of mental disorder?
• Anxiety disorder
• 2. How many Americans are compulsive
hoarders?
3-6 million
• 3. Which of the following is not a cause of
compulsive hoarding?
• Problems with aggression
 Hoarding Post test
• 4.What is the name of the assessment tool
developed by the National Study Group on chronic
disorganization?
• Clutter-hoarding Scale
• 5. T/F Not all hoarders excessively collect or save
objects, some hoard animals.
• TRUE
• 6.Which is not a characteristic of hoarding?
• Sleeping disturbances
 Hoarding Post-test
• 7. T/F Hoarding runs in families.
• True
• 8. One of the following treatments is not used as
a strategy for alleviating hoarding symptoms and
triggers.
• Residential treatment
• 9. T/F Hoarding symptoms are commonly seen
only in adults.
• False
 Hoarding Post-test
• 10. Compulsive hoarders may be at risk for
health issues due to all of the following
except:
• Stroke

• How did you do? __?__ out of 10

Aroostook Area Agency on Aging says:

• Thank you for your attention and interest in

this topic
• Be supportive of others
• Be an advocate for change in your community
 Hoarding Resources
• Mayo Clinic
• Wade-Bennett life clutter scale:
http://www.compulsive-hoarding.org/Wade-
Bennett.html

• http://www.hoarders.org/f-c.html

• IOCDF Hoarding Center,

http://www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/
 Hoarding Resources cont.
• CHILDREN OF HOARDERS Web site
• Informative web site for families and children of hoarders
• http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/

Harm Reduction for the Elderly- By John O'Brien Central Coast Senior Services
• "The goal is to work towards improving problematic behaviors while recognizing
they often can not be eliminated.
• It is a non-confrontational and non-judgmental approach. Not every older person
can stop or wants to stop risky behaviors. The person may not be in a physical or
psychological position to understand or consider their behavior is causing a problem
and that change is possible. Harm Reduction accepts these realities."
• http://www.centralcoastseniorservices.com/referring-professionals/understanding-harm-reduction/
•
How to Get Hoarders Into Treatment
by Dr Fugen Neziroglu, PHD & Katherine Donnelly M.A.
http://www.adaa.org/resources-professionals/podcasts/hoarding-research-and-treatment
•
When a Loved One Hoards
by David Tolin Author of Buried Treasures Oxford University Press
"Some general principals to guide conversations:
Show Empathy: Don't Argue; Respect Autonomy; Help the person recognize that his/her actions
are inconsistent with his/her greater goals or values."
http://blog.oup.com/oupblog/2007/01/when_a_loved_on.html
 Hoarding resources cont.
• The Way to Help a Family Member
by R.Frost,PhD
How Compulsive Hoarding Affects Family found on IOCDF - Web site:
http://www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/family.aspx#affects_families
http://www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/family.aspx
Caring.com, Family Advisor, April 20, 2010
Mom's a hoarder whose "stuff" is keeping us apart!
by Carol O'Dell
• http://www.caring.com/blogs/dear-family-advisor/moms-a-hoarder-whose-
stuff-is-keeping-us-apart

Helping Family Members Who Hoard

New England Hoarding Consortium, Page 13 of Hoarding Newsletter, Spring
2009
http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/PSYCH/rfrost/Spring_2009_Hoardi
ng_Newsletter.pdf
 Hoarding websites
• MOTIVATIONAL
INTERVIEWINGhttp://www.nova.edu/gsc/forms/mi_rationale_techniques.pdf

• Help for Hoarders:10 small steps

• by DorothyBreininger
• http://savingourparents.com/tips_db.php?key=Help+for+Hoarders&last=1214

Clutter and Hoarding

• http:cornellaging.org/gem/hoarding_index.html
Animal Hoarding and Families
Tips for families and friendsIntervention is possible but challenging, requiring tact and
patience.
The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium web
site.http://vet.tufts.edu/hoarding/intervention.htm
•
 Groups on line
• "Spouses of Hoarders"
Yahoo Group run by Sandra Felton of Messies Anonymous:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mates-of-Messies/
For friends and family
This group is for those who care about someone who is a hoarder. It is not a
therapy group. Here we share information
which may be useful in understanding those whose lives are impacted by
hoarding. Perhaps some ideas for approaches will prove useful.
This site is run by Sandra Felton organizer of Messies Anonymous
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Friends-of-Hoarders/
•
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/hoarders-daughter-shameful-secret-
14225893
Surviving a Filthy Childhood: Jessie Sholl, Daughter of Hoarder, Comes Clean
• http://abcnews.go.com/Health/surviving-filthy-childhood-daughter-hoarder-
clean/story?id=14222198
 Books

• Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding & Compulsive Acquiring
• by Tamara Hart PhD., Michael Tompkins, PhD.
• New Harbinger Publications 2009
• This book gives manageable steps for helping your loved one make gradual and
lasting change.
•
Buried in Treasurers- help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding
by David Tolin, Randy Frost, Gail Steketee.
Oxford University Press, 2007
Useful information to help friends and family understand.
It includes strategies and techniques that anyone can use.
 Videos
• ABC News Videos, 20/20, August 05, 3011
Hoarder's Children Speak Out
• http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/parent-hoarder-
14238808
•
Hoarders Daughter Keeps Shameful Secret
• http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/hoarders-daughter-
shameful-secret-14225893
Surviving a Filthy Childhood: Jessie Sholl, Daughter of
Hoarder, Comes Clean
• http://abcnews.go.com/Health/surviving-filthy-
childhood-daughter-hoarder-clean/story?id=14222198
 References
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ann-brenoff/is-your-mom-or-dad-a-hoarder_b_1365521.html
• http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=hoarding+&id=EAA450499504DB8CB311D458F5CDA8063A6986E
9&FORM=IQFRBA
• www.symptomfind.com/diseases-conditions/compulsive-hoarding
• DSM 5
• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2006/how-strep-triggers-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-
new-clues.shtml
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding/basics/risk-factors/con-20031337
• http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=hoarding+&id=EAA450499504DB8CB311D458F5CDA8063A6986E
9&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=ABE10BC57D446472E7E996C5C9FF506BB5CF199A&selectedIndex=36