Hoarding disorder is often portrayed in reality TV shows, where people’s homes are filled with towering piles of belongings. But in reality, hoarding is much more than just extreme messiness—it’s a mental health condition that makes it incredibly difficult for someone to throw things away, even if the items have little or no value.
Unlike collecting, where people carefully choose and organize their possessions, hoarding leads to clutter that can take over living spaces and interfere with daily life. But what causes hoarding disorder? Scientists believe it’s a mix of genetics, brain function, and life experiences.
Is Hoarding Disorder Genetic?
Studies suggest that hoarding disorder may run in families. A 2014 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that people with a close relative who has hoarding disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. However, having a family history of hoarding doesn’t guarantee that someone will develop the condition. It simply means they may be more at risk.
Genes may play a role, but they don’t tell the whole story. Just like with other mental health conditions, environmental and brain-related factors also contribute to the disorder.
How the Brain Affects Hoarding
People with hoarding disorder seem to process information differently, especially when it comes to decision-making and emotional attachment to objects.
Brain imaging studies have shown that when hoarders are asked to discard items, certain areas of their brain become overactive—specifically, the regions responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. This suggests that getting rid of possessions causes significant distress, making it nearly impossible for them to let go.
A 2013 study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that people with hoarding disorder struggle with categorizing and organizing items. This could explain why their possessions often become overwhelming piles instead of neatly arranged collections.
How Life Experiences Can Trigger Hoarding
While genetics and brain function contribute to hoarding disorder, life experiences can also play a major role. Some people start hoarding after experiencing a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one. In these cases, possessions may serve as a source of comfort or security.
Other research suggests that growing up in a cluttered or chaotic household increases the risk of developing hoarding behaviors later in life. A 2011 study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that people who lived in overly cluttered homes as children were more likely to struggle with hoarding as adults.
Why Some People Can’t Let Go
Hoarding disorder is complex. It’s not simply about being disorganized or overly sentimental. It’s a combination of genetic tendencies, differences in brain function, and personal experiences that shape a person’s attachment to objects.
Understanding hoarding is like solving a puzzle. While researchers have uncovered important pieces—such as the role of genetics, brain function, and life events—there’s still much to learn.
If you or someone you know struggles with hoarding, seeking help from a mental health professional can make a difference. Therapy and support can provide tools to manage the condition and improve daily life. Letting go is hard, but with the right help, it’s possible to regain control.
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