What Is Hoarding Disorder?

Hoarding Behaviour Explained

Our director, Heather Matuozzo, shares a simplified insight into why people struggle with accumulating and holding onto possessions.

The Most Important Things You Need To Know

It is a mental health condition

The NHS acknowledges hoarding disorder as a complex mental health problem that can significantly impact quality of life.

What classifies Hoarding Disorder

Not being able to live in your home as you should, ce.g not being able to access the kitchen.

What isn't classified as Hoarding

Hoarding disorder differs from clutter or being disorganised.

Key Characteristics of Hoarding

Understanding the key characteristics of hoarding disorder is important for both individuals affected by it and those who want to help. By recognising these traits, individuals can gain a better understanding of their own experiences, while those offering support can approach the situation with empathy and clarity:
woman, 76 years old, recovering from hoarding

What Causes Hoarding Behaviour?

The exact cause of hoarding disorder isn’t fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Some common contributing factors include:

  • Trauma: Experiencing a significant loss, abuse, or other trauma can trigger or exacerbate hoarding behaviors.
  • Family History: Individuals with a family history of hoarding may have a higher risk of developing the disorder.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Hoarding often co-occurs with conditions such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The Emotional Impact

Hoarding disorder has a deep emotional impact on those affected, making it challenging to manage alone. It is often hard for individuals to pinpoint the reason for these strong emotions, the information below provides examples of how they can manifest, this can help individuals to communicate their feelings when seeking support.

Shame and Isolation

Fear and Anxiety

Overwhelm and Hopelessness

The Physical Impact

Hoarding disorder doesn’t just affect how someone feels—it can have wide-reaching physical impacts on daily life, health, safety, and relationships. The information below provides examples of how physical impacts can manifest, this can help individuals to communicate the challenges they may be facing when seeking support.

Health and Safety

Relationships

Legal and Financial

A Hoarding Disorder Diagnosis

Sam Wainman, Psychologist and PhD Researcher, outlines when hoarding behaviour qualifies for a hoarding disorder diagnosis.

Hoarding Disorder is a clinical mental health condition characterised by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, leading to an extreme excess of items that disrupts living spaces to the point individuals cannot use rooms for their intended purpose, causing significant distress and impairment to daily life and routines.

In contrast, hoarding behaviour refers to the act of accumulating and holding onto items, which may not reach the level of dysfunction seen in hoarding disorder, individuals with hoarding behaviour might struggle to part with objects but can do so without overwhelming anxiety, and their living environments typically remain functional.

The key difference lies in the severity and impact: hoarding disorder impairs well-being and functioning, while hoarding behaviour is less extreme and may be temporary or situational.

The disorder was officially recognised as a distinct diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. It is estimated to affect 2-6% of the population, though the true number may be higher, as many individuals with hoarding disorder do not seek help.

You're Not Alone - Support Is Available When You're Ready

If you or someone you care about is struggling with hoarding disorder or behaviours, know that support is available. Seeking help is a courageous first step, and there are many resources across the UK designed to provide the understanding, care, and practical assistance needed to navigate this complex condition.

Below you'll find guidance on who to contact, what kind of support is available, and how to take that first step with confidence: 

Get In Touch 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with hoarding, you're not alone. We're here to listen, support, and help you take the next steps.

Use the form below to get in touch with our team—whether you’re looking for advice, resources, or ongoing support, we’re here to help in a non-judgmental and compassionate way.

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