Hoarding is a psychiatric condition in which individuals have a difficult time discarding items that others would deem useless or valueless, like string, bottle caps, and newspaper. In addition, many individuals with hoarding experience an overwhelming compulsion to acquire such items, either by purchasing, collecting, or stealing. In some cases, hoarding results in the excessive collection of animals.
While many individuals exhibit some degree of hoarding tendencies, it becomes a problem when the symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in functioning to the self or others. With sufficient motivation for change, individuals with hoarding can respond to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically tailored to hoarding symptoms. Given the nature of the syndrome, Obsessive-Compulsive Solutions of Chicago is available for home treatment.