People who hoard are called hoarders.
Definition of Hoarding
People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless.
Hoarding vs.
PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou / Getty Images
Collecting
Hoarding is not the same as collecting.
Collectors look for specific items, such as model cars or stamps, and may organize or display them.
People with hoarding disorder often save random items and store them haphazardly.
Some may also feel safer surrounded by the things they save.
Some researchers conceptualize hoarders as having addictive traits when it comes to objects.
This diagnosis is typically made by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Causes
Hoarding can happen for a variety of reasons.
However, research shows that most people who hoard have experienced a traumatic life event (TLE).
Risk Factors of Hoarding
In some cases, hoarding is associated with self-neglect.
Types of Hoarding
How hoarding interferes with ones safety and hygiene depends on what they hoard.
More randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the best approach.
This won’t solve the root of the problemand may actually make matters worse.
A Word From Verywell
Hoarding is a great disruption to a persons quality of life.
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