Hoarding Cleanup: Identifying a Problem and Getting Hoarding Help

If you or a loved one struggle with a persistent difficulty in getting rid of possessions regardless of value, it is possible that a hoarding problem may be to blame. Hoarding disorder, while common, can be devastating for all involved. If there are signs of hoarding behavior that extend to the severity of possessions covering much of a living space causing significant distress to homeowners, there is a major need for hoarding cleanup.

At Hoarding Help Central, we strive to offer hoarding help to those overwhelmed by the struggles of hoarding disorder. The first step in combating a hoarding problem is to first identify it. While this sounds easy enough, there are many reasons that a hoarding problem is left to grow worse until it is completely out of control. One of these reasons is a denial of the issue. Today, Hoarding Help Central will be discussing the signs and symptoms of hoarding disorder as well as highlighting what you or a loved one should do to receive the help you deserve.

What is Hoarding Disorder?

Hoarding disorder is classified as a psychiatric disorder by the American Psychiatric Association and affects an estimated 2 to 6 percent of the population. There is research to suggest that hoarding disorder is more common in males than females but it is known to be most common in older adults in terms of age. In fact, 3 times as many adults ages 55 to 94 suffer from hoarding disorder as compared to adults 34 to 44 years old.

Hoarding disorder became its own psychiatric disorder in the DSM-5 in 2013. Before this point, hoarding was classified as a symptom of other compulsive disorders including OCD and/or OCPD. With the American Psychiatric Association’s decision to make hoarding disorder its own classification, hoarding disorder has gained public awareness. This has proven beneficial in improving the rate at which hoarding problems are identified as well as providing more treatment options for those suffering from it.

Signs and Symptoms of Hoarding Disorder

So what are the signs and symptoms of hoarding disorder?

If you suspect that you or someone you love is suffering from an undiagnosed hoarding disorder, it is vital that you are aware of the most common signs. This will prove helpful in identifying the issue and working to receive hoarding help.

It is estimated that between 2 and 5 percent of adults exhibit some form of hoarding behavior. These behaviors can be observed as early as the teenage years but the average age of those seeking help for hoarding disorder tend to be over the age of 55 years old.

While the compulsion to hold onto objects is the main identifying symptom of hoarding disorder, there are a variety of other signs to watch out for. Most notably is the habit of forming large quantities of clutter in the home. This clutter can make it difficult to access common household appliances, furniture, or even to move throughout the home with ease.

Other signs and symptoms of hoarding disorder include the frequent loss of important items in the clutter as well as the inability to refuse free items. Adults suffering from hoarding disorder also tend to isolate themselves, not allowing friends or family to visit their home out of embarrassment of its condition. This can make it difficult to get them the hoarding cleanup help that they deserve.

Getting Hoarding Help

At Hoarding Help Central, we understand that helping a friend or loved one suffering from a hoarding disorder can be a hard process. Maybe they are unresponsive to receiving hoarding help or just don’t know where to begin in searching for hoarding cleanup services. Luckily, we are a team of passionate specialists with experience in hoarding cleanup and removal.

If you have identified that you or a loved one is suffering from hoarding disorder and would like to seek help that can get life back to normal, contact Hoarding Help Central today! We’d be happy to help.