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Do you find it very difficult to get rid of things? Does it cause suffering and affect your daily life? Help is available.

What is hoarding disorder?

In hoarding disorder, people have considerable difficulty getting rid of things. This is partly because they feel uncomfortable and think they need to keep them. They may collect different types of things, some of which may have objective value but others may seem less valuable to an outsider. Hoarding is linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder, where you have different types of compulsive behaviours.

Causes of hoarding disorder

Hoarding usually develops early in life and studies have shown that the problems have often been present since childhood. It is estimated that around 6% of the Canadian population displays hoarding behaviours. The problem is distressing and can get worse with age. Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of hoarding. Many people with hoarding behaviours have been found to have a history of trauma. However, it is not possible to say that trauma is a direct cause of hoarding, as many different factors are involved.

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Hoarding disorder symptoms

Hoarding disorder is in the “obsessive-compulsive and related disorders” category of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, with symptoms that are similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important to note that a diagnosis is only made if the behaviour causes great suffering and affects how you function in everyday life. In hoarding, homes are often messy and cluttered, which can make it difficult to do everyday things like using the bathroom and cooking. People with hoarding disorder may collect things by finding free things, buying or stealing. They may not always be aware of their behaviour. Additionally, others around the person can also make recovery more difficult by perpetuating the problems. Hoarding disorder can lead to feelings of shame and stigma, but help is available.

Hoarding disorder can co-occur with depression, anxiety and ADHD. It is also common in OCD, Prader-Willi syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. It is possible to get treatment for these conditions as well.

Hoarding disorder treatment

There are different levels of hoarding disorder, with mild, moderate and severe symptoms. It is important to adapt treatment accordingly. At present, the only research-based treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy for adults. Not enough research is available to determine an effective treatment for children or adolescents at this time.

Treatment with CBT for hoarding disorder is usually between 16-26 sessions, in either individual or group sessions. The treatment includes techniques to work on motivation and thoughts and feelings related to things you have. It also includes training skills to organize, sort and make decisions about what to do with the things you have accumulated. People can bring items to the clinic or the practitioner can make a home visit. There are few studies on drug treatment, so it is unclear whether it helps with hoarding disorder.

Seeking help can change your life

Hoarding disorder is not something you need to deal with on your own. Talking to a licensed psychotherapist or psychologist can not only help you understand your condition better but also offer effective ways to move forward. You are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. On our website, we have qualified therapists and psychologists who are happy to help you.


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Your next step

If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional therapist or psychologist. We assure you that all therapists and psychologists on our platform are qualified and that your conversation is always confidential. Don’t be afraid to take the first step.

With the right support and tools, you can significantly improve your quality of life. We are here to support you. Book your first session today and start your journey towards a better future.


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12 frequently asked questions about hoarding disorder

What is hoarding disorder?

Hoarding disorder involves having considerable difficulty getting rid of things, partly because of believing that they need to be kept. People may collect different types of things, some of which may have objective value but others may seem less valuable to an outsider.

How is hoarding disorder diagnosed?

A diagnosis of hoarding disorder is usually made by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist through various tests and assessments. This may include questionnaires and clinical interviews.

Is hoarding disorder hereditary?

Research shows that hoarding disorder may have a genetic component but it is not the only factor. Environment and upbringing also play a role.

What are the symptoms of hoarding disorder?

Symptoms often include having a messy and cluttered home, with difficulty doing everyday things like using the bathroom and cooking because of the amount of clutter. People with hoarding disorder may acquire things by seeking out free stuff, buying or stealing. They may have difficulty with insight.

How is hoarding disorder treated?

Treatment often involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Is there a cure for hoarding disorder?

Hoarding disorder can be treated with CBT.

Can children get hoarding disorder

It has been found that people with hoarding disorder have often had symptoms since childhood. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible for the best possible treatment outcome.

How common is hoarding disorder?

Hoarding disorderaffects about 6% of the population.

Does it affect everyday life?

Yes, in severe cases hoarding disorder can lead to decreased quality of life. However, it is possible to return to normal function with proper treatment.

How is hoarding disorder different from regular collecting?

Unlike regular collecting and saving of memorabilia, hoarding disorder involves a large number of items that cause distress and affect function. Often it is other agencies such as community angencies that notice the problem before people seek help themselves, especially in the case of more severe problems.

Can you have other concerns at the same time as having hoarding disorder?

It is common to have other psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD and other disorders. It is important to get an assessment by a professional in order to get the right treatment.

How do I get help with my hoarding?

At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who work with CBT and can help you feel better if you have mild symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, you can contact your healthcare center to get a referral to a specialist psychiatrist. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.

What does treatment for hoarding involve?

Seeking help is a big step towards better health, it’s a positive thing to decide to take control of how you feel. Here is an overview of the steps of CBT treatment.

Step 1: An initial assessment session

The first meeting with your psychologist or therapist is an assessment to review your mental and physical health. Your therapist may ask you questions about your life situation, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. You may also complete assessment forms.

Step 2: Goal setting

This is where you and your therapist set concrete goals for the therapy, both short and long-term.
It can include which areas of your life are most affected by your well-being and how you would like to change them.

Step 3: Treatment with different techniques and tools

This is the start of the actual treatment phase, which involves exercises aimed at giving you tools to overcome and work through the problems you are experiencing. You often work on increasing motivation to get rid of things, for example and practice this with the therapist. CBT also works with thoughts and feelings about the problem behaviour.

Step 4: Monitoring and evaluation

Treatment is monitored regularly to see how well the therapy is working. If necessary, the treatment plan can be adjusted.

Step 5: Ending and looking ahead

As the therapy comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the progress made. You will also receive a maintenance plan for how to use the tools and strategies you have learned in the future. It is also important to monitor your results over time.

If you or someone close to you is looking for professional help, don’t hesitate to book a session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists. Together, we make the difficult easier.


Written by Sophia Coulter

Sophia is a registered nurse with experience in inpatient, emergency and community mental health care. She has a passion for providing emergency support for those experiencing mental health crises.