According to research by Randy O. Frost, Gail Steketee (a professor at Boston University in the United States), and Edna B. Foa in their 2011 book Buried in Treasures, there is a mental disorder called Hoarding Disorder, which causes a person to compulsively store everything they come across—even when the items are damaged or no longer useful.
Someone with Hoarding Disorder constantly fears losing their belongings and believes that every item has extraordinary value, even if it’s practically useless.
People with Hoarding Disorder often collect broken tools, damaged items, outdated and unwearable clothes, old documents, and other controversial materials.
As Randy O. Frost and James R. Acker explain in their study Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things, the motivation behind hoarding is not based on the item’s usefulness in daily life, but rather the satisfaction of simply having them stored in the home.
One major cause of Hoarding Disorder is childhood trauma, especially experiences of lacking food or basic supplies.
Such trauma can make a person grow up with a deep fear of losing things, as stated by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS UK, 2024) on their official website.
Additionally, a 2025 study by the International OCD Foundation reveals that Hoarding Disorder often co-occurs with other mental conditions such as major depression and anxiety disorders, making the condition more severe.
The impact of Hoarding Disorder is visible in many aspects of a person’s life. In a 2011 study by Frost, Steketee, and Foa, 81% of participants lived in cluttered homes full of damaged objects, sometimes to the point where they had no space to sleep.
Furthermore, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 67% of patients said they often refused to receive visitors, leading to loneliness and severe depression.
Hoarding Disorder is treatable, and there are effective methods to support patients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven effective in reducing excessive hoarding behavior. In a 2018 study by IOCDF, patients showed a 47% decrease in hoarding tendencies after 12 months of CBT.
There are also support groups and services like those of NHS UK (2024) that connect people with similar challenges, helping them clean their homes gradually and regain self-confidence.
It is essential not to view individuals with Hoarding Disorder as dirty or foolish. It is a mental health condition that requires understanding and support. Families and friends should offer non-judgmental assistance.
Support includes teaching how to distinguish between useful and useless items, helping with cleaning activities, and encouraging them to seek expert help.
Talking openly about Hoarding Disorder and the fact that it is treatable is the first step to helping many people. When we are educated about mental health, we contribute to a world where everyone is valued, heard, and cared for.
