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Hoarding Symptoms, Treatment & How Bio-One Can Help

Hoarding Symptoms, Treatment & How Bio-One Can Help

Hoarding is a mental disorder characterized by an excessive need to acquire and save items, even if the things are of no real value. At Bio-One of Orange, we understand how difficult a hoarding situation might be. No matter how challenging it might seem for you, a family member, or someone you know, our certified hoarding remediation technicians are always ready to help the victims make their way into a better life. 

Let's discuss the symptoms of Hoarding Disorder and why it is so important to understand this condition before trying to help others.

The Basics - What is Hoarding?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, hoarding is the persistent difficulty with discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding experiences distresses at getting rid of their belongings, no matter how useless. They may feel like they need to keep these items "just in case" they need them in the future.

It wasn't until 2013 that hoarding was recognized as a mental health disorder when it was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - DMS-5. This distinction has given mental health professionals a better understanding what the symptoms and risk factors associated with this condition to provide a more precise treatment. 

Although there is work and progress to be made, recognizing hoarding as a mental health disorder is a step forward in creating awareness about what it means to deal with hoarders and their families.

Why do people hoard?

The causes of hoarding are not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to genetic and environmental factors. Some people may have a family member who hoards, which suggests that there may be a genetic component. There is also evidence to suggest that hoarding may be more common in people who have experienced trauma or stressful life events.

Hoarding is also related to other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression.

How do you know if someone is a hoarder?

Though they vary from one person to another, the common symptoms of a hoarding diagnosis include the following:

  • Excessive acquisition of items, even if they are of no real value
  • Emotional attachment to possessions
  • Inability to get rid of possessions, even when they are no longer needed
  • Cluttered living spaces and difficulty moving around
  • Negative impact on relationships and social interactions

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek professional help. Hoarding can be difficult to overcome, but it is possible to make progress with the right approach. At Bio-One, we are here to help. 

Our hoarding remediation specialists are specially trained to deal with hoarding situations and can help you or your loved one get on the path to recovery.

The effects of hoarding disorder on the victims and their loved ones

Hoarding can significantly impact the victim's physical and mental health and their relationships. The condition can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness and anxiety, and depression. Hoarding can also cause financial problems, as people may not be able to afford the storage space needed to keep their belongings.

The effects of hoarding on the victim's loved ones can be just as significant. Family members and friends may feel overwhelmed by the hoarder's behavior and find it difficult to cope. They may also feel guilty, ashamed, or helpless. Remember that you are not alone, and many resources are available to help you deal with a hoarding situation.

How to get help for someone with hoarding?

If you suspect that you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, the first step is to seek professional help. A mental health professional can assess the situation and provide the necessary treatment. Treatment for hoarding often includes medication, therapy, and support groups.

The same reasons apply to anyone with the intention of helping. Before hoarding remediation, people looking to help hoarders get their life back must understand that most of the time, hoarding is a consequence of different traumas or unsolved issues. Helping someone overcome hoarding means having a non-biased perspective and a solid mind to deal with the tough job of tackling a hoarding scenario.

Diagnose for Hoarding Disorder - A Job for Professionals

Most hoarders are not even aware of their problems. The first step in helping a hoarder is to get them to realize that they may have a problem. This is usually done by a family member or friend who expresses concern about the individual's hoarding behavior. Once the hoarder becomes aware of the problem, they can then seek professional help.

Learn more about ADAA’s guidelines on Staging a hoarding intervention.

A diagnosis of hoarding is best made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. These professionals are trained to look for the specific symptoms of hoarding and rule out other possible causes of the individual's behaviors and symptoms.

There are no laboratory tests that can diagnose hoarding. However, a mental health professional may use psychological testing to help rule out other possible disorders or better understand the individual's thought patterns and behaviors.

Treatment for Hoarding - What Options are Available?

Medication, therapy, and support groups are often used to treat hoarding. Medication can help relieve anxiety or depression, which may be contributing to hoarding behavior. Therapy can help the individual understand why they are hoarding and develop strategies for dealing with the problem. Support groups can provide social and emotional support for people with hoarding.

If you feel overwhelmed, give us a call. We will connect you with a support group in your area. See more about Bio-One of Orange's Resource webpage.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help people with hoarding. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that helps people identify and change problematic thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been found to be an effective treatment for hoarding.

During CBT, therapists work with hoarders to help them understand the thoughts and emotions that contribute to their hoarding behavior. Therapists also teach hoarders how to make changes in their behavior and lifestyle to reduce hoarding.

Visit Mayo Clinic's page to learn more about Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other treatments for hoarding.

The Aftermath - Approaching Hoarding Cleaning

When it comes to hoarding, there are a lot of misconceptions. Many people believe that hoarding is simply being messy or disorganized. However, hoarding is a dangerous condition that can have devastating consequences on a person's life.

Part of the process of assisting a person with moving forward to a better life is addressing the hoarding problem in the house or property. Often, hoarders' homes pose multiple health and safety risks due to clutter, trash, and waste accumulation.

How a Hoarding Remediation Company like Bio-One can Help

If you or a loved one suffers from hoarding, it's important to seek professional help. Here at Bio-One, we specialize in hoarding cleanup and can help restore any house or property to a safe and livable condition.

Bio-One's professional technicians work closely with every family to meet their specific needs. We also consult with them throughout the hoarding cleaning service to help them understand why decluttering is important and how it can improve their quality of life.

Removing Clutter and Other Biohazardous Waste

Our team is trained to look out for the biohazards commonly present in a hoarder's home during the cleanup process. This includes rotten food, dead animals, potential mold growth damage, hazardous chemicals, rodents, and other pests.

Removing clutter, trash, and biohazardous waste from a hoarded property is a professional job. If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you get your life back on track and create a safe and comfortable living environment.

Hoarding remediation - Before and after.
Bio-One of Orange is always available to help those struggling with hoarding.

Help First, Business Second!

Bio-One of Orange offers a solution to life's most challenging and unexpected situations. We guarantee a quick response time, so you can rest assured that help is on the way. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Bio-One aims to provide top-quality service and support. If you're facing a difficult situation, don't hesitate to contact the Bio-One team. 

Bio-One provides top-quality, industry-leading cleaning, sanitation, and decontamination services in:

Recovery Services

Hoarding Cleanup Service & Clutter Removal Services

SERVING ORANGE COUNTY & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

Locally owned, Bio-One of Orange is proud to serve Orange County and surrounding Southern California areas: Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda!

Our professional hoarding remediation technicians are ready to help. Bio-One of Orange, a proud member of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Contact us at 714-397-8375.