What We Treat
Hoarding
Learn about hoarding symptoms and treatment approaches at Westwood Institute.
About Hoarding
Hoarding involves difficulty discarding possessions and accumulation that can interfere with living spaces and functioning.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may include distress when discarding items, clutter, avoidance, indecision, and family conflict.
Treatment Approach
Treatment focuses on decision-making, exposure to discarding, organization skills, and functional recovery.
Related Pages
Your questions, answered
Frequently asked questions about Hoarding Disorder
How is hoarding disorder different from collecting?
Collections are usually organized and do not prevent rooms from being used. Hoarding involves difficulty discarding possessions and clutter that can compromise living spaces or cause significant distress.
Why can discarding items feel so difficult?
Possessions may feel emotionally important or potentially useful, and decisions about letting them go can cause distress. Understanding these concerns is part of assessment and treatment.
Is clearing out a home enough to treat hoarding?
A cleanout alone does not address the thoughts, emotions, and habits behind hoarding. Treatment often focuses on decision-making, acquiring, and gradually practicing sorting and discarding.
What treatment is available for hoarding disorder?
CBT adapted for hoarding can support changes in beliefs and behaviors around possessions. Treatment is collaborative and may involve practical work on organizing and using living spaces safely.
Further reading: NHS