’Hoarding“ is a condition whereby sufferers excessively and compulsively collect and retain objects or animals, and is more common amongst sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In many cases there are no other cognitive symptoms. The distinction between a harmless habit and compulsive hoarding is that hoarders suffer a significant reduction in their quality of life due to their condition.

A study in 2008 found that hoarders have a unique pattern of brain activity compared to non-hoarding OCD sufferers and control patients. It associated the disorder with impaired decision-making in the brain. Aside from this study, there is very little research on the illness, despite it having been a recognised disorder for years.

Anxiety disorder, a form of which is OCD, has much more concrete evidence behind it in comparison to hoarding. Sufferers generally have a genetic predisposition to anxiety, which can be triggered by a traumatic event. With hoarding, however, it‘s much more than a simple desire to keep hold of items just in case one may need them at a later date – the causes are much more ambivalent.

With hoarding and OCD, there is a general misconception amongst some non-sufferers. The term ’OCD“ is often casually used to describe a non-sufferer‘s tendency to keep a clean house. Similarly, the term ’hoarding“ is often used in a light-hearted context.

’Channel 4“ recently aired a documentary on hoarding, following the life of a sufferer. It proved difficult for the camera crew to get into his house due to vast piles of the physical manifestations of his illness, and he admitted to not having a bath or being able to sleep in his own bed for years.

While the documentary offered an understanding of the disorder to many viewers, it may have also fed existing misconceptions. It showed the many judgements of the sufferer‘s neighbours, who didn‘t have many kind words to say about him. Of course, this is simply the nature of documentary making. As well as raising awareness, the aim is to entertain – so the footage was edited accordingly.

Hoarding is a very serious disorder and can quickly become destructive. Sufferers should get help in the form of counselling, in order to at least eliminate the risk of fire in their homes due to the collection of hoarded items restricting hallways. Seeking help can also significantly improve quality of life – even through modest changes such as being able to move around in a room or improving the likelihood of being able to claim on home insurance.

There are some indomitable perceptions over the umbrella of mental illness. One is the common misconception that sufferers are in control of how their illness may make them behave, as demonstrated on the documentary.

Unlike most other forms of mental illness, hoarding‘s side effects are very visible to others. This could lead suffers experience further anguish – such as annoyed neighbours and unsympathetic local councils.

The nature of hoarding does make for interesting documentary material – a front lawn consisting only of a mountain of old books and clothes is visually shocking. But underneath the amusement and shock that television documentaries can create, hoarding is a serious condition with detrimental effects.

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If you know anyone who has a problem with hoarding and you'd either like find out more about it, or contact someone for support, these links may be of use.
Hoarding UK
Anxiety UK - Compulsive Hoarding
Hoarding Help UK