Many people only learn about hoarding disorder from reality TV shows, where homes are shown overflowing with objects and extreme clutter.
But these dramatic scenes only capture the surface. Hoarding disorder is a real mental health condition, and it is far more complex than simply being messy or unwilling to clean up.
For many people who struggle with it, the issue goes deep into how they think, feel, and cope with the world around them.
Hoarding disorder makes it extremely hard for people to throw things away, even items that look useless or unimportant to others. These belongings can pile up over time, filling rooms, blocking hallways, and making everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and even sleeping very difficult.
While a collector chooses items carefully and displays them with pride, a person with hoarding disorder often feels overwhelmed, stressed, or frightened at the idea of sorting their possessions or letting go of them.
Scientists have spent years studying why hoarding disorder happens, and the answers point to a mix of genetics, brain differences, and life experiences. Instead of a single cause, researchers see it as a puzzle with many pieces.
Genetics play a meaningful role. Hoarding disorder often appears in families, suggesting that some people may be born with a higher chance of developing it. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2014 showed that people who have close relatives with hoarding disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
Still, genetics alone do not decide someone’s future. Having a parent or sibling with hoarding disorder does not mean a person will automatically have it. It simply means they may be more sensitive to some of the triggers that can lead to hoarding behavior later in life.
Brain research also gives important clues. Studies using brain scans show that people with hoarding disorder react very strongly when they try to make decisions about their belongings. Areas of the brain that help with decision-making and emotional control become unusually active when they are asked to sort or discard items.
A 2013 study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that people with hoarding disorder often struggle with organizing things and making choices about what to keep.
This helps explain why they may freeze or feel overwhelmed when facing a pile of clutter. What seems like a simple choice to others—whether to keep or throw away an object—can feel like a highly stressful and emotional moment for someone with hoarding disorder.
Life experiences can also shape hoarding behavior. For some individuals, hoarding begins after a deeply painful event, such as losing a loved one or going through a major life change. In these moments, possessions may feel safe and comforting, almost like emotional support. Items become reminders of happier times or symbols of security, making it even harder to part with them.
Childhood experiences matter too. Growing up in a chaotic or cluttered home increases the chances of hoarding tendencies later in life. A 2011 study from The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found strong connections between early-life environments and hoarding habits in adulthood.
Because of all these factors, hoarding disorder should never be dismissed as laziness or simply having too much stuff. It is a challenging mental health condition that requires understanding, patience, and proper support.
Scientists continue to explore how genetics, the brain, and life history blend together to create this disorder. Their findings are helping shape more effective treatments and giving hope to many who struggle with these symptoms.
Treatment often involves working with mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of hoarding. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is one of the most effective approaches.
It helps people manage their emotions, make decisions more confidently, and slowly learn how to let go of items without overwhelming stress. With the right support, many individuals can reclaim their living spaces, improve their safety, and feel more in control of their lives.
If you or someone close to you may be dealing with hoarding disorder, it is important to remember that help is available and effective. Reaching out to a trained professional is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of hope and a powerful step toward a healthier and more peaceful life.
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