Does your friend has difficulty getting rid of things, and has their home become unhealthy? Well then yes, they may have become a hoarder. But they may also just be a slovenly untidy person. There is no straightforward answer to the question ‘does my friend have hoarding disorder’. However, there may be clues.
These clues may, but not necessarily include, large amounts of boxes, containers, papers, and clothing all over the place. If you challenge this situation, then your friend may reply the items could be useful someday. The fact that they enjoy keeping them is another important clue that they may be a hoarder.
More Reasons They May Be a Hoarder
True hoarding is not a deliberate, conscious decision. It is a sign that the situation is out of control, and your friend is on ‘auto pilot’. After all, how else could they tolerate the guest loo being so piled up with clutter, that they can’t use it properly?
You may join your hoarder’s friend and family in the ‘sin bin’, if you challenge the stuff piled high on the sink and work surfaces in the kitchen. You may feel obliged to challenge this for health and safety reasons. If this is your situation, then you may no longer need to wonder does my friend have hoarding syndrome.
Does Hoarding Run in Families?
Yes, this is partly true, although there are always exceptions to every rule. However, it is a fact that hoarding disorder is more likely to develop if another family member already shows the signs. Perhaps for this reason (but perhaps not) this may be why the first signs of the condition often surface in teenage years, as parental controls slacken off.
Hoarding Is More Likely With Seniors
Compulsive hoarding is more likely to begin, or increase in severity as people age. If your friend has reached the stage where their balance deteriorates, then they are more likely to trip over their clutter, take a tumble and perhaps injure themselves.
As you ponder over the question does my friend have hoarding habits, you may like to know that slightly half of all hoarders have other psychiatric complaints. There is a chance that these may include depression, anxiety, and even dementia. Although of course they equally may not.
Are There Signs to Watch Out For?
If you are still wondering does my friend have hoarding disorder perhaps, then you may be interested in these criteria the American Psychiatric Association identified in 2013:
- Hoarding disorder is characterized by ongoing difficulty in letting go of possessions, regardless of their actual worth.
- This obsession is driven by a powerful impulse to save items, and feel distressed about discarding them.
- Belongings pile up as a result of this obsession, cluttering living spaces and interfering with their normal use.
- If these areas are still clear, it’s usually only because family, friends, or professional cleaners have stepped in.
- Hoarding also leads to considerable distress in daily life, affecting relationships, work, and the living environment.
A traumatic life event, like severe illness or losing a partner may trigger these symptoms. If hoarding is already in progress, then these incidents may accelerate it.
The Emotional Drivers of Hoarding
Despite all their best efforts, psychologists still do not understand the psycho-emotional drivers behind this distressing behaviour.
There do, however appear to be links between the syndrome, and the logical side of the human brain. Without turning you into a psychologist, you may find these symptoms provided by Harvard Medical School useful:
- Difficulties in information processing skills, like planning and problem-solving.
- Shortcomings in memory, learning, attention, and organizational skills for daily living.
How Can I Help My Hoarding Friend?
The short answer to this most important question is ‘with difficulty’. This is because many hoarders simply do not see their habit as a problem. They are so immersed in it, that they hardly recognize the negative impact on their lives, and the lives of those around them.
A psychologist may be able to help with ongoing cognitive behavioural therapy treatment, although this is not a cure as such. It follows that from time to time it may become necessary to clear and spring-clean your hoarder’s home.
Avery Associates provides just such a hoarded house clearance service, and has done so for many, many years successfully. Why not give us a call if you feel you are running out of options. We have numerous happy customers who speak highly of us. It will be our pleasure to assist you too!
More Information
The Main Causes of Hoarding In Homes
Clearing Hoarded Houses With Respect
If anyone has a hoarding addiction / problem, Jeff and his team can be highly recommended at an instant to help others sort out their issues. I would not hesitate to work with Jeff and his company if ever the need rises again. I have full trust and faith in what they do in making the client happy, relaxed, and assured that they have your interests at heart. Louise Alessander.
