Question: What Are the Compulsive Hoarding Symptoms?
People who have a compulsive hoarding disorder find it nearly impossible to discard or part with personal possessions. These “possessions” can include animals.
Answer: As a result of being unable to let go of posessions, compulsive hoarding leads people to accumulate such a large number of possessions that they are no longer able to use their personal living or work spaces as intended:
- Someone with compulsive hoarding disorder may have kitchens overflowing with so many old newspapers, food cartons, and other seemingly useless items that they are no longer able to cook for themselves.
- Bedrooms may be so cluttered that the bed is unusable, forcing them to sleep in a chair.
- Their homes may be so packed with possessions that they must navigate narrow pathways between piles of clutter.
- Compulsive hoarding can extend to vehicles and outside areas such as yards and patios.
- Some compulsive hoarders rent storage units to avoid getting rid of any possessions.
When compulsive hoarding includes animals:
- Living conditions often become unsafe for people and animals.
- There may not be enough food available to provide proper nutrition for the animals.
- Veterinary can be neglected because a person with compulsive hoarding disorder may not have money to pay for treatment or does not recognize that there’s a problem.
- Compulsive hoarding of animals is different than deliberate animal cruelty, although the results may be similar.