How to Know if Someone is a Compulsive Hoarder

We all collect things, and we all have junk drawers and closets full of stuff we cannot throw away. That’s normal. But some people cannot seem to throw anything away, yet they continue to accumulate more things. Perhaps these folks are just packrats. It is sometime difficult to tell the difference between sloppy housekeeping and compulsive hoarding. If you are concerned about the living habits of a loved one, here are four ways that can help you identify a compulsive hoarder and suggestions for getting the compulsive hoarder some professional help.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at the individual’s yard, car and garage. If these places or areas are always piled with clutter, junk or trash, particularly if the piles never get used, moved or thrown out, this could be hoarding behavior. Check the garbage can. Typically, hoarders do not have much or any garbage to discard.

• 2

  Consider the individual’s behavior, actions and activities. A hoarder typically is a perfectionist--nothing is ever done right or in the right place. The hoarder has problems handling everyday activities, difficulty making decisions, cannot seem to get organized, has limited social interactions and is excessively attached to possessions.

• 3

  Try to get into the home to check for clutter, such as stacks of newspapers, junk mail or even trash. Compulsive hoarders have rooms full of stuff. It can be difficult to get through hallways and doors. Sinks, countertops and all flat surfaces are piled with junk. The house is typically dirty, dusty and full of cobwebs because it is too full of clutter to clean.

• 4

  Look for numerous animals. Compulsive hoarders sometimes take in dozens or even hundreds of animals, keeping them in unhealthy conditions. Typically the animals are small so that they can be kept inside and hidden, and frequently the animals are malnourished or are otherwise in poor health.

• 5

  Try to get your loved one to talk with a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. Be aware that most hoarders do not see the problem and will not want help. Even with treatment, hoarding behavior is difficult to control and almost impossible to stop. If your loved one refuses help, you may need to contact the police or fire department or notify public health or animal welfare agencies, if your loved one’s health or safety is in jeopardy.