Can hoarders be organised?

Hoarding is a complex psychological disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of possessions, often to the point where living spaces become cluttered and unusable. While hoarders may want to be organized, their condition can make it difficult for them to let go of items or keep things in order. One of the biggest challenges for hoarders is their attachment to possessions. For many, the act of discarding an item can feel like a loss or a betrayal. This emotional attachment can make it difficult for hoarders to make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of, even when their living spaces are cluttered and overcrowded. Another challenge for hoarders is the difficulty of maintaining organization once it has been achieved. Hoarders may struggle with the ongoing task of keeping things tidy and in order. They may also find it difficult to follow through on a plan to declutter their living spaces, as the task can be overwhelming and emotionally difficult.

Hoarding and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are two distinct conditions, but they share some similarities. Research has shown that many individuals with hoarding disorder also have symptoms of OCD. In fact, some experts have classified hoarding as a subtype of OCD. Hoarding disorder is now considered as a distinct diagnosis in the latest edition of the Diagn and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Individuals with hoarding disorder may have obsessive thoughts about their possessions and may feel a strong need to keep them. They may also have compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly checking on their possessions or having difficulty discarding items.

Despite these challenges, it is possible for hoarders to be organized. With the help of a professional therapist or counselor, hoarders can learn to manage their emotional attachments to possessions and develop strategies for maintaining organization. This may include learning how to set goals, make decisions, and follow through on plans. A therapist or counselor can also help hoarders learn how to declutter their living spaces in a safe and manageable way. This may involve breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable steps, or working on one area of the house at a time.

It’s important to note that not all people with hoarding disorder have OCD, and not all people with OCD hoard. However, for those with both conditions, treatment for both is essential. Treatment for hoarding disorder and OCD typically includes a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. CBT focuses on helping the individual understand and change the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to hoarding and OCD. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which may contribute to hoarding and OCD.

It’s also important to note that hoarding is a chronic condition, and progress may not always be linear. Setbacks may happen and it is crucial to be patient with the process and keep going. In conclusion, while hoarding can make it difficult for individuals to be organized, it is not impossible. With the help of a professional therapist or counselor, hoarders can learn to manage their emotional attachments to possessions and develop strategies for maintaining organization. Many individuals with hoarding disorder also have symptoms of OCD. Both conditions share some similarities and it’s important to understand that treatment for both is essential. It is a process that requires patience, support, and time.