by Karon Brandt

Created on: January 10, 2010   Last Updated: January 11, 2010

“Pack rats” who become “buried alive” in a mountain of stuff - to the point where their homes become unsafe or uninhabitable - are called “hoarders.” Once the problem reaches the point of compulsive collecting, it becomes a serious problem, an unofficial subset of a mental illness called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The classification is still being argued, as some hoarders do not have other OCD symptoms, and different portions of the brain seem to be involved with hoarders.

If you cannot comprehend the seriousness of the problem, view some videos from the A&E TV show titled “Hoarders” at http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/video. The show begins with the statement that three million people suffer from hoarding; these are two of their stories. The scenes are appalling.

Some people collect stuff as memories of the past; some collect as a kind of “insurance” against the future – just in case they “might need it”; some compulsively save things beyond the usefulness of the objects, such as food which becomes spoiled.

Hoarders might save books (bibliomania) to the point where their health or personal relationships are affected. “Digital hoarders” collect files on computers beyond the point of usefulness: it becomes a financial burden to buy new hard drives to store items they will never use or need. (Wikipedia)

“Animal hoarders” collect animals like dogs or cats. They believe they are being kind and helpful – perhaps saving the animals’ lives, like adopting pets that face euthanasia - but the animals begin to suffer health problems from overcrowding and lack of vet care to the point that animal rescue agencies must get involved. 

If you suspect someone you live with or care about has a hoarding problem, you can intervene. If a “collector” begins collecting until they cannot live in their homes safely or maneuver around normally, you can suspect a problem.

Hoarders often don’t see their collecting as a problem, until they are threatened with eviction - due to legal problems with landlords and authorities about clean up and safety; or a failed marriage - after the partner decides he/she can no longer live in unsanitary, uninhabitable conditions; or they face the loss of their children through child protective services.

The Mayo Clinic recognizes 10 symptoms of the disorder, including cluttered living spaces, the inability to

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