Comments on: Learning more about compulsive hoarding http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:00:59 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Tim http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-24080 Tim Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:46:45 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-24080 Here is the program referenced in the article- Part One - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daKsMsa8YAc Part Two - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHMvx9ts5Ug Here is the program referenced in the article-
Part One – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daKsMsa8YAc
Part Two – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHMvx9ts5Ug

]]> By: Daniel http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-19893 Daniel Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:25:52 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-19893 For years and years and years, I kept trying to find out what was wrong with me. Did I have a stroke and that's why I couldn't easily make decisions, and no longer organize any of my things? Was it residual symptoms of bipolar disorder or part of narcolepsy? Maybe all the medications over the years for both disorders had caused an organic change in my brain, or maybe just a side effect of my medications. Why have I lost all of my friends, why do I isolate myself? Why do I have three feet of junk every where, no clear paths, walking on three feet of ??? whatever was there had become the norm. I didn't have OCD, or prader-willy syndrome, or other disorders where hoarding has been found more common. Three days ago I accidentally read an article on compulsive hoarding, and features that distinguish it from OCD and other psychiatric disorders. As for medication treatment mentioned, I complained for years to my psychiatrist that SSRI's relieved depression, but also made me apathetic. That was also mentioned in the article! Unlike OCD, where extremely high doses of SSRI's have proven extremely beneficial, they often do not work with people who have compulsive hoarding, yet do not have full OCD diagnostic criteria. I had no idea. The associated features of non-OCD hoarders read as if I had written them describing myself. For years and years and years, I kept trying to find out what was wrong with me. Did I have a stroke and that’s why I couldn’t easily make decisions, and no longer organize any of my things? Was it residual symptoms of bipolar disorder or part of narcolepsy? Maybe all the medications over the years for both disorders had caused an organic change in my brain, or maybe just a side effect of my medications. Why have I lost all of my friends, why do I isolate myself? Why do I have three feet of junk every where, no clear paths, walking on three feet of ??? whatever was there had become the norm. I didn’t have OCD, or prader-willy syndrome, or other disorders where hoarding has been found more common. Three days ago I accidentally read an article on compulsive hoarding, and features that distinguish it from OCD and other psychiatric disorders. As for medication treatment mentioned, I complained for years to my psychiatrist that SSRI’s relieved depression, but also made me apathetic. That was also mentioned in the article! Unlike OCD, where extremely high doses of SSRI’s have proven extremely beneficial, they often do not work with people who have compulsive hoarding, yet do not have full OCD diagnostic criteria.
I had no idea. The associated features of non-OCD hoarders read as if I had written them describing myself.

]]> By: Kir http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-18586 Kir Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:06:09 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-18586 Kate, I am the opposite too. I can't think when the house, my purse, or a drawer is too cluttered. I actually am looking for anyone who can tell me this is a real issue because it gets me in trouble too. Have you any information on the opposite of disposophobia? I'd love to know. Kir Kate,

I am the opposite too. I can’t think when the house, my purse, or a drawer is too cluttered. I actually am looking for anyone who can tell me this is a real issue because it gets me in trouble too. Have you any information on the opposite of disposophobia? I’d love to know.

Kir

]]> By: P http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17775 P Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:09:01 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17775 I grew up with a mom with hoarding OCD and now have a husband with another type of OCD. If a person is willing to get help (which it sounds like you are, Aenca), then that is the biggest hurdle you've already crossed. Medication is EXTREMELY effective and is used as 'water wings' to take off the edge while you get what they call CBT therapy. That's what really nips it in the bud. Go to http://www.ocfoundation.org/ to find therapist trained specifically in CBT. Traditional therapy (talk therapy) does nothing to treat ocd, but CBT is very effective and typically is very short therapy to get big results. (Its not like you'll be in therapy for years--it's relatively quick and then you may need 'touch ups' from time to time). You don't have to live with this condition ruling your life. I only wish the people in my life would have chosen to seek help. Good luck to you and I'd advise you to find a therapist this very week. You deserve to be happy and it's possible! I grew up with a mom with hoarding OCD and now have a husband with another type of OCD. If a person is willing to get help (which it sounds like you are, Aenca), then that is the biggest hurdle you’ve already crossed.

Medication is EXTREMELY effective and is used as ‘water wings’ to take off the edge while you get what they call CBT therapy. That’s what really nips it in the bud. Go to http://www.ocfoundation.org/ to find therapist trained specifically in CBT. Traditional therapy (talk therapy) does nothing to treat ocd, but CBT is very effective and typically is very short therapy to get big results. (Its not like you’ll be in therapy for years–it’s relatively quick and then you may need ‘touch ups’ from time to time). You don’t have to live with this condition ruling your life. I only wish the people in my life would have chosen to seek help. Good luck to you and I’d advise you to find a therapist this very week. You deserve to be happy and it’s possible!

]]> By: Ida http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17542 Ida Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:10:24 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17542 Dear Aneca, Please know that there is always help and hope. Please reach out to those in your family or you city, even a suicide prevention hot line... I know things can feel beyond help, but they are not. The first step to seeking help is the hardest but worth taking. Dear Aneca,
Please know that there is always help and hope. Please reach out to those in your family or you city, even a suicide prevention hot line…

I know things can feel beyond help, but they are not. The first step to seeking help is the hardest but worth taking.

]]> By: aneca http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17534 aneca Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:46:56 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17534 i have become so depressed about the state of my house that i am suicidal. what medications have helped anyone out there? i have chronic pain and fatigue as well which makes it hard to make any efforts alone. our house is so small and claustrophobic that i just wish it would burn down so we could start over. i have become so depressed about the state of my house that i am suicidal. what medications have helped anyone out there? i have chronic pain and fatigue as well which makes it hard to make any efforts alone. our house is so small and claustrophobic that i just wish it would burn down so we could start over.

]]> By: christa http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17530 christa Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:35:12 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17530 How do you know the difference between knowing whether someone just keeps too much stuff, a packrat and a hoarder? I don't think my parents are hoarders, but they definately have too much stuff. I think I learned my fear of throwing stuff away from my father, however instead of just keeping it, I choose to recycle or give/donate responsibly. That makes me feel better about getting rid of stuff. I also know people who don't necessarily hoard, they are just dirty, messy people. What is the criteria for diagnosing a hoarder as opposed to other types of disorders? How do you know the difference between knowing whether someone just keeps too much stuff, a packrat and a hoarder? I don’t think my parents are hoarders, but they definately have too much stuff. I think I learned my fear of throwing stuff away from my father, however instead of just keeping it, I choose to recycle or give/donate responsibly. That makes me feel better about getting rid of stuff.

I also know people who don’t necessarily hoard, they are just dirty, messy people.

What is the criteria for diagnosing a hoarder as opposed to other types of disorders?

]]> By: Beth http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17525 Beth Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:58:13 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17525 We have 2 20x30 tents in our back yard. My husband admits that he is anxious. I am not the cleanest person. He goes to counseling but it doesnt do much. Mostly because he needs this stuff for e-bay. Beth Green Sorry I missed your show We have 2 20×30 tents in our back yard. My husband admits that he is anxious. I am not the cleanest person.
He goes to counseling but it doesnt do much. Mostly because he needs this stuff for e-bay.
Beth Green

Sorry I missed your show

]]> By: h20 http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17520 h20 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:34:06 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17520 david, as a collector, you'll collect anything, including stories on hoarding.... I don't know you, but I also collect stories on hoarding, plus all the books (a full bookcase) to cure the habit, but it seems the most difficult thing to let go off are those stories and the bookcase full of books by sandra felton, don aslett etc etc david, as a collector, you’ll collect anything, including stories on hoarding….

I don’t know you, but I also collect stories on hoarding, plus all the books (a full bookcase) to cure the habit, but it seems the most difficult thing to let go off are those stories and the bookcase full of books by sandra felton, don aslett etc etc

]]> By: Di http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17517 Di Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:00:15 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17517 David, me too! My mom is a packrat, not a hoarder, but I still find it all fascinating and very sad. David, me too! My mom is a packrat, not a hoarder, but I still find it all fascinating and very sad.

]]> By: David Beach http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17514 David Beach Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:54:48 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17514 Is it odd that I collect stories on hoarding ? Is it odd that I collect stories on hoarding ?

]]> By: Cubicle Hacker http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17508 Cubicle Hacker Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:08:38 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17508 I better get on the phone and tell my brothers and mom. They love accumulating crap. One room has so much stuff it will take hours before it burns completely and move to the rest of the house. I guess I'm a half full kind of guy. Seriously, I never thought this was a disorder. I was raised by a hoarder mom and never really thought it was wrong. It didn't make sense to me and I found it annoying and useless but that is why I moved out of the house. Man, I guess we all have something we need to work out of our childhoods, forgive and forget, appreciate our parent s, move on, grow up and keep moving. Live is dynamic so our minds. Get with the program and enjoy that half glass http://www.cubiclehacks.com I better get on the phone and tell my brothers and mom. They love accumulating crap. One room has so much stuff it will take hours before it burns completely and move to the rest of the house. I guess I’m a half full kind of guy.

Seriously, I never thought this was a disorder. I was raised by a hoarder mom and never really thought it was wrong. It didn’t make sense to me and I found it annoying and useless but that is why I moved out of the house.

Man, I guess we all have something we need to work out of our childhoods, forgive and forget, appreciate our parent s, move on, grow up and keep moving.

Live is dynamic so our minds. Get with the program and enjoy that half glass

http://www.cubiclehacks.com

]]> By: Michael@ Awareness * Connection http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17501 Michael@ Awareness * Connection Sun, 10 Aug 2008 06:41:23 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17501 As someone in the mental health field, I also have to say hats off for the important and accurate info. For those reading, keep in mind that this is not garden variety keeping of too much stuff. This is a debilitating disorder that by definition, like all mental disorders, interferes with either relationships, work or both. In some cases the person will feel compelled to keep materials useless scraps of styrofoam. Like other forms of OCD they can tell you that it makes no sense and that they want to be rid of it, but they feel absolutely compelled to save it though they may not be able to supply any reason for why. My father as an HVAC contractor occasionally ends up in homes of people with hoarding issues where the entire house for instance is filled with stacks of newspaper with only tight pathways remaining going through the middle of the rooms, and virtually no living space remaining. And like other forms of OCD, depression and anxiety disorders either psychotherapy or medication can be helpful and the combo is usually more helpful than either by itself. Though therapy has the added benefit that the gains tend to last indefinitely whereas gains from medication disappear shortly after the medication is discontinued. Fascinating how our brains work, and how they can create very peculiar behaviors in us when something is amiss. Thanks for an important post. As someone in the mental health field, I also have to say hats off for the important and accurate info. For those reading, keep in mind that this is not garden variety keeping of too much stuff. This is a debilitating disorder that by definition, like all mental disorders, interferes with either relationships, work or both. In some cases the person will feel compelled to keep materials useless scraps of styrofoam. Like other forms of OCD they can tell you that it makes no sense and that they want to be rid of it, but they feel absolutely compelled to save it though they may not be able to supply any reason for why.

My father as an HVAC contractor occasionally ends up in homes of people with hoarding issues where the entire house for instance is filled with stacks of newspaper with only tight pathways remaining going through the middle of the rooms, and virtually no living space remaining.

And like other forms of OCD, depression and anxiety disorders either psychotherapy or medication can be helpful and the combo is usually more helpful than either by itself. Though therapy has the added benefit that the gains tend to last indefinitely whereas gains from medication disappear shortly after the medication is discontinued.

Fascinating how our brains work, and how they can create very peculiar behaviors in us when something is amiss.

Thanks for an important post.

]]> By: STL Mom http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17494 STL Mom Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:45:29 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17494 Kate, would you please cough on your modem so I can catch your disorder? Kate, would you please cough on your modem so I can catch your disorder?

]]> By: Kate http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17490 Kate Sat, 09 Aug 2008 21:24:06 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17490 What's the opposite of disposophobia? Whatever it is, I've got that. I can hardly bear to *keep* anything which often gets me in trouble. I guess Unclutterer is enabling me ;-) What’s the opposite of disposophobia? Whatever it is, I’ve got that. I can hardly bear to *keep* anything which often gets me in trouble.

I guess Unclutterer is enabling me ;-)

]]> By: Rebecca http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17488 Rebecca Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:26:59 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17488 Also, here is the website for the *adult* children of compulsive hoarders - a great resource/support website for those who grew up not knowing what normal really meant and who have to deal with parental hoarders - and all their stuff! http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/bindex.php Also, here is the website for the *adult* children of compulsive hoarders – a great resource/support website for those who grew up not knowing what normal really meant and who have to deal with parental hoarders – and all their stuff!

http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/bindex.php

]]> By: Cecilia http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17486 Cecilia Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:11:14 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17486 Erin, as a counselor, I think it's great that you publish this information on your site. Hopefully it will help a lot of people, even those who may be suffering this disorder withour knowing. Well done! Erin, as a counselor, I think it’s great that you publish this information on your site. Hopefully it will help a lot of people, even those who may be suffering this disorder withour knowing.
Well done!

]]> By: Michelle http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17475 Michelle Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:47:17 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17475 Here is a film on the topic, called "Possessed". I thought I had seen it here on Unclutterer at one point. http://www.vimeo.com/603058 Here is a film on the topic, called “Possessed”. I thought I had seen it here on Unclutterer at one point.

http://www.vimeo.com/603058

]]> By: Alex Fayle http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17473 Alex Fayle Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:13:36 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17473 As well for people with hoarding and other chronic disorganization issues, there's the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization at http://www.nsgcd.org Cheers, Alex As well for people with hoarding and other chronic disorganization issues, there’s the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization at http://www.nsgcd.org

Cheers,
Alex

]]> By: Soton http://unclutterer.com/2008/08/09/learning-more-about-compulsive-hoarding/comment-page-1/#comment-17472 Soton Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:35:08 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2140#comment-17472 It is worth it to mention this site too: http://www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/ it has a survey for self-assessment. It is worth it to mention this site too:
http://www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/

it has a survey for self-assessment.

]]>