You walk into a house and promptly proceed to stumble over a teetering pile of plastic storage containers stashed next to a table overflowing with junk mail, an assortment of writing implements and discarded items of clothing. As you stare into the gloom of the residence you notice more and more piles of useless paraphernalia as well as the distinct smell of mould.
Does this sound like something out of the movie Seven? It could well be, but the truth of the matter is an estimated 1.4 million people worldwide suffer from a debilitating condition called Compulsive Hoarding Disorder that causes them to live like this. Hoarding is clinically defined as 'the acquisition of, and inability to discard worthless items even though they appear (to others) to have no value.' Hoarding behaviour has been known to occur as a part of various psychiatric disorders as well as being common in most members of our society, but is most prevalent in people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Patients who report compulsive hoarding as their primary 'symptom' often experience considerable distress or functional impairment due to their hoarding and complain of uncontrollable indecisiveness, procrastination, and avoidance behaviour.
Those who compulsively hoard and stockpile are often jokingly nicknamed 'pack rats' and categorised as eccentrics. Unfortunately, compulsive hoarding is no joke. Like any other form of obsessive compulsive disorder it can be quite torturous. Hoarders can become incapacitated by their habits and their lives often become unmanageable due to it. Socializing presents a huge problem as they are unable to have visitors or even repairmen come into their homes, due to the serious embarrassment they would feel at having someone see the clutter.
The indicative symptoms of compulsive hoarding could include any or several of the following:
1. Saving irreparable or useless articles
2. Buying excessive amounts of useful items (i.e. toilet paper, napkins etc.)and storing them away for future usage but never using them
3. Reclaiming items from the trash on a regular basis
4. Having difficulty discarding anything due to a fear of accidentally throwing out something important like money, jewellery, documents etc.
5. Saving large amounts of printed matter like newspapers, magazines etc.
6. Making and keeping extensive lists of certain things
7. Saving large amounts of items for possible future use by others
Compulsive hoarders also report severe perfectionism, difficulty making decisions and avoiding chores. People who suffer from CHS do not like to make mistakes and will go as far as postponing or completely avoiding making certain decisions in order to prevent any mistakes. Even seemingly insignificant tasks like dishwashing or mail checking takes a long time because it has to be done 'right'. These high standards coupled with the fear of making a mistake results in many compulsive hoarders avoiding tasks because it simply becomes too overwhelming.
Dr Fred Penzel, an authority in the field of CHS, says proper treatment for this condition relies heavily on behavioural techniques. Hoarders need to be encouraged to gradually discard items they horde the most and these are incidentally the hardest to let go. A therapist should have several goals: firstly to visit the home to establish the severity of the problem; then, determine the order in which things need to be tackled; and lastly assisting the patient in the throwing out process if the person is too great a procrastinator. Many patients may also need assistance organizing important documents and the purchase of stackable storage compartments or filing cabinets is encouraged. Toy storage bins can be used to hold discarded items prior to removal.
Although Compulsive Hoarding Disorder is a serious condition, it is easily treatable. The only reason people suffer from it for as long as they do is because they are ashamed of the extent of their problem. Many go for years without seeking treatment. So, if you think you have a few too many plastic storage containers laying around either get cracking or ask for help.