What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is not simply messiness. It involves distress around discarding, difficulty making decisions, and living spaces that become hard to use safely or comfortably.
Common signs and symptoms
- Strong urges to save items regardless of practical value
- Distress, guilt, or fear when discarding possessions
- Rooms, beds, kitchens, or hallways becoming unusable
- Avoiding decisions, organizing, or inviting others inside
- Family conflict or safety concerns related to clutter
How Westwood Institute treats it
- CBT for saving beliefs and decision-making
- Graduated discarding practice
- Exposure to distress around letting go
- Organization and maintenance routines
- Family collaboration when helpful