Hoarding

Abstract

Compulsive hoarding is a condition plaguing many people around the world. In Australia, it is estimated that between 400,000 and one million people suffer from the condition of compulsive hoarding. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), hoarding is the compulsive purchasing, acquiring, searching, and saving of items that have little or no value.
People hoard for many reasons. These include, believing their belongings will have future value, they have sentimental value and are unique or irreplaceable, and decide to simply keep items. What do the professionals have to say about it?
Dr Emily O’Leary,Clinic Director at the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Clinic (OCDC) in Brisbane, said there is one main psychological reason people hoard.
“They attach too much meaning to a particular object,” she said.
“One of the main things is that objects become sort of like little friends.”

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