Many people often tease each other that doctors are often fond of clean because they find bacteria everywhere. However, you know that in the world there is also a more completely contradictory disease which is much scarier, called hoarding disorder.
What is hoarding disorder?
A hoarding disorder is when someone acquires an excessive number of items and stores them in a chaotic manner. The items can be of little or no monetary value and usually result in unmanageable amounts of clutter. In simple words, people with this condition often store items that are no longer valuable, such as letters, old bags, items with the desire to repair or reuse. Sometimes, because of the “regret”, they collect everything, even plastic bags, used napkin in the restaurant and always try to keep them even if they are useless.
This inevitably leads to their living space being extremely messy – so much so that the kitchen or bathroom area cannot be used because of too many items. Not just ordinary items, some hoarders even hoard animals.
Causes
The cause of this hoard disorder science cannot fully be explained. Some argue that it could be the result of another disease such as fear of moving, fussy and indifferent from the items they have bought. Many other experts have suggested that people with severe depression, schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder may not be able to classify and treat the objects around them. With that, they fall into loneliness, neglecting their own lives. In addition, many believe that someone born to a family with a history of memory disorders is also prone to this disease because of a lack of prioritizing and conditioning. However, it is also necessary to distinguish hoarders and collectors. Collectors consider it a pleasure and do not impair the quality of life. Meanwhile, hoarders collect everything they can and often have an unhealthy life.
The risks come from hoarding disorder
Anyone looking at a room with such piles of things will feel “helpless” to move in the room or intend to clean it up. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also gives the ill person negative effects on work performance, hygiene conditions, and other personal relationships. This is also the reason the hoarders often have fewer friends, always in the isolated state and feel lonely. Besides, stockpiling too many old or new items in a confined space can be dangerous for them and anyone visiting the home. Even so, many cases are reported to be dead in the pile of items.
Treatments
Experts say the Hoarding Disorder is not a disease that can be easily treated, whether the patient wants help or not. However, according to scientists, this syndrome can be partially remedied. Treatment is primarily a cognitive-behavioral adjustment. Specialists will help the person understand why they find it difficult to throw away useless things and how the mess has been created. Then combined with the actual cleaning work and a specific plan, the patient will gradually feel better. It is important for the person who has the disease to go directly to clean up the miscellaneous items in their home. Therapists will encourage and help them do this.
In some cases, people with the disease may use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) because the drug has been shown to be effective in controlling the disease.
