Hoarding is a recognised mental health diagnosis. It is the excessive collection and retention of any material to the point that living space is sufficiently cluttered to preclude activities for what they are designed for. Hoarding may be characterised by:
- a persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them,
- an intense emotional attachment to objects that may not be regarded as having the same value to others,
- distress at the thought of getting rid of the items.
Hoarding is sometimes associated with self-neglect, which is “an extreme lack of selfcare” and “may be a result of other issues such as addictions”. It can include:
- Lack of selfcare to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety,
- Neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health, nutrition or environment,
- Inability to avoid harm as a result of self-neglect,
- Failure to seek help, support or access services to meet health and social care needs,
- Refusal of services that would mitigate risk of harm,
- Unwillingness to manage one’s personal affairs.
