4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Do you find it really difficult to get rid of things? Does it cause distress and affect your daily life? It may be collector's syndrome. Here we explain what the problem is and the treatment available.
Collector’s syndrome occurs when people have considerable difficulty getting rid of things, 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. The syndrome is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder, which involves different types of compulsive behaviours.
Collector’s syndrome usually develops early in life, according to studies showing symptoms presenting in childhood. It can be distressing and worsen with age, with about 6% of the population over the age of 70 having it. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the syndrome. Many people with it have experienced trauma, but it is difficult to link trauma specifically as the cause of the syndrome because a lot of factors are involved.
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
Collector’s syndrome is a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, but the symptoms are similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Only when the behaviour causes great suffering and affects how you function in everyday life can a diagnosis be made. Sufferer’s homes are often messy and cluttered, making it difficult for them to do everyday things like using the bathroom and cooking. They may collect things by looking for free stuff, buying or stealing. They may not always be aware of their behaviour but others around them might point it out to them. Some people in their circle make recovery more difficult by perpetuating the problems. Collector’s syndrome can lead to feelings of shame and stigma, so it is important to get the right help. If diagnosed, these symptoms can be reviewed:
If you have collector’s syndrome, depression, anxiety and ADHD are often also present. It is also common in OCD, Prader-Willi syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. It is possible to get treatment for these problems as well.
What can you do if you have collector’s syndrome? The only researched treatment for the problem is CBT for adults. There are few studies on children and adolescents, so it is not yet known which treatment is most helpful for them. The different levels of collector’s syndrome have either mild, moderate or severe symptoms, and treatment is adapted accordingly.
Treatment with CBT for collector’s syndrome is usually between 16-26 sessions and can be given individually or in groups. The treatment includes techniques to work on motivation and thoughts and feelings related to things you own. It also includes training skills to organise, sort and make decisions about what to do with the stuff you have accumulated. There are few studies on drug treatment, so it is unclear whether it helps with the syndrome.
Collector’s syndrome is not something you need to deal with on your own. Talking to a licensed psychotherapist or psychologist can help you understand your condition better and offer effective ways to move forward. You are not alone, it is okay to ask for help. On our website, we have qualified therapists and psychologists who are happy to help you get out of compulsive behaviours.
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with collector’s syndrome, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional therapist or psychologist. Lavendla’s experienced therapists and psychologists are qualified and your conversations are always strictly confidential. Don’t be afraid to take the first step.
Living with collector’s syndrome can be difficult but there is help available. With the right support and tools, you can significantly improve your quality of life. If you are ready to take the step, we are here to support you. Book your first session today and start your journey towards a better future.
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
Collector’s syndrome means that people have considerable difficulty getting rid of things, partly because they feel uncomfortable and believe they have a need to keep them. People may collect different types of things, some of which may have objective value but others may seem less valuable to an outsider.
A diagnosis of collector’s syndrome is usually made by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist through various tests and assessments. This may include questionnaires and clinical interviews.
Research shows that collector’s syndrome may have a genetic component but there are other factors. Environment and upbringing also play a role.
Symptoms often include having a messy and cluttered home, causing difficulty doing everyday things like using the bathroom and cooking. They may acquire things by seeking out free stuff, buying, or stealing.
Treatment often involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
There is treatment for collector’s syndrome that can be helpful for many people, although it may not help everyone.
It has been found that people with collector’s syndrome often have had symptoms since childhood. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible for the best possible treatment outcome.
Collector’s syndrome increases with age and for people over 70 years old, about 6% of people suffer.
In severe cases, collector’s syndrome can lead to disability caused by difficulties in hygiene and cooking. However, it is possible to return to normal function with proper treatment.
Unlike regular habits and saving of memorabilia, collector’s syndrome involves large numbers of items that cause distress and affect normal living.
It is common to have other psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD. It is important to get an assessment by a professional to get the right treatment.
Lavendla’s experienced psychologists and therapists work with CBT and can help you improve if you have mild symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, you should contact your GP for a referral to a specialist psychiatrist. In the case of the an acute mental health crisis, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk immediately.
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 usually involved in CBT treatment.
The first meeting with your psychologist or therapist is an assessment to review your mental and physical health. You may be asked questions about your life situation, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
This is where you and your therapist set concrete goals for the therapy, both short and long term. It can define which areas of your life are most affected by your well-being and how you would like to change them.
This is the start of the actual treatment phase, which involves exercises aimed at providing tools for overcoming and working through your problem. Often, you will work on motivation to get rid of things, and practice this with the therapist. CBT also works with thoughts and feelings about the problem behaviour.
Treatment is monitored regularly to see how well the therapy is working. If necessary, the treatment plan can be adjusted or renewed.
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 the 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.