Compulsive Hoarding
Compulsive hoarding is a behavior in which a person obsessively and continually collects, stores, and amasses items, without regard to the practicality of using and/or storing those items. Some psychologists believe compulsive hoarding to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.1
Compulsive hoarders may have problems with processing information, discerning what items are valuable and what are not, and in developing emotional attachments to worthless items.2
The collecting and storing of garbage, a related behavior, is known as syllogomania, while other compulsive hoarders may collect animals.
Fast Facts
- Alternate name: Hoarding addiction
- Prevalence: Affects 2 million Americans2
- Most commonly hoarded material: Paper
Related Conditions
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for information on compulsive hoarding.
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