Hoarding, or excessively accumulating stuff until it piles up and covers the floor and furniture, is not as rare as some people think. About one in every 20 Americans suffer from it.
Hoarding is a real psychological condition, and it can happen to anyone. Midlife is prime time, but signs of hoarding sometimes surface in childhood. It usually gets worse with each decade, especially after a traumatic event or if depression sets in.
Hoarding takes a toll on the whole family, and poses an increased risk of falls, lung conditions such as asthma and allergies, and fire hazards. Mental health experts are now recommending a separate diagnostic category for it. If you know someone seeking treatment for hoarding, it's important to find a specialist in the disorder. You can check with the International OCD Foundation at ocfoundation.org, or click here.
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