The descriptions below are typical traits of a hoarder:
– Avoids throwing away possessions (common hoarded items are newspapers, magazines, paper and plastic bags, cardboard boxes, photographs, household supplies, food, and clothing)
– Experiences severe anxiety about discarding possessions
– Has trouble making decisions about how to categorize and organizing possessions
– Experiences feelings of being overwhelmed or embarrassed by possessions
– Is suspicious of other people touching possessions
– Feelings of despair about running out of something that might be needed later
– Looks through the garbage to ensure nothing was accidentally discarded
– May experience one or more of the following:
- Loss of living space inside the home (no place to eat, sleep, or cook)
- Social isolation
- Family or marital problems
- Financial difficulties
- Health hazards