Hoarding Disorder: How to Help a Loved One Seek Treatment

Hoarding Disorder

Hello, I would like to ask if you are familiar with Hoarding Disorder, which is a mental illness? My mother has this condition, and I am wondering how I can help her accept treatment.
Her hoarding has become increasingly severe; it started 20 years ago with a tendency to accumulate items, then 15 years ago it escalated to the point where her room was so cluttered that there was no space to sleep.
Ten years ago, she began to collect discarded items from outside, regardless of whether they were good or bad, and even food items that she would hide until they spoiled and attracted pests.
Our entire home has become unlivable, and the family no longer wants to live with her.
I feel particularly sorry for our neighbors, who also have to endure this situation.
Sometimes they come to us, expressing their frustration and saying they have been harshly criticized by her, but I wonder if they are just kind-hearted or afraid of her outbursts? My mother has never been reported, and our family values cleanliness, so why is she like this? For example, there was a particularly troubling case involving a household filled with garbage collected from outside, including medical waste from a nearby hospital.
The daughter spent most of her time at home with a cat, and her body was covered in flea bites.
The father, who is quite elderly, was constantly bringing in more items.
The sanitation workers attempted several times to remove the garbage but were met with hostility and were unable to succeed.
After seeing the patient, it was suggested that social workers call an ambulance to take her to the hospital for treatment, and then ask the sanitation team and Tzu Chi Foundation for help in cleaning up the house.
Afterwards, both the social worker and I were sued for false imprisonment, and Tzu Chi was accused of trespassing, seeking damages of 200 million.
Fortunately, the prosecutor decided not to file charges.
However, being a defendant for the first time was quite nerve-wracking.
Family members filed complaints, and within a day, I received calls from ten city council assistants inquiring and questioning the situation.
A magazine also accepted complaints and published this incident.
Additionally, a television commentary program accused this as a collaboration between the Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau and psychiatric hospitals, likening it to the Soviet Union's treatment of political prisoners as mental patients.
(Psychiatrist Wei Fu-Chuan)

119, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/10/17

Dr. Sun Xiaoru reply Psychiatry

Hoarding is a behavior, and when excessive, it becomes a symptom.
Many psychiatric disorders can present similar symptoms, so it is not possible to diagnose your mother with hoarding disorder based solely on one symptom.
It is advisable to take your mother to see a healthcare professional; a definitive diagnosis is necessary before discussing how to address the issue.

Reply Date: 2006/10/17

More Info

Hoarding Disorder, classified as a mental health condition, is characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This behavior often leads to clutter that disrupts the living space and can significantly impair daily functioning. It is crucial to approach a loved one suffering from hoarding disorder with empathy and understanding, as the condition is often rooted in deeper psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, or past trauma.

To help your mother accept treatment for her hoarding disorder, consider the following strategies:
1. Educate Yourself and Your Family: Understanding hoarding disorder is the first step in helping your mother. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. This knowledge will empower you to approach her situation with compassion and clarity.

2. Open a Dialogue: Initiate a conversation with your mother about her behavior. Choose a calm, non-confrontational moment to express your concerns. Use "I" statements to communicate how her hoarding affects you and the family. For example, "I feel worried when I see the house getting cluttered because it seems unsafe."
3. Avoid Judgment: It’s essential to approach the topic without judgment or criticism. Hoarding is often linked to feelings of shame and embarrassment. By creating a safe space for discussion, your mother may be more open to acknowledging her condition.

4. Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest that she speak with a mental health professional who specializes in hoarding disorder. You can frame this as a way to help her feel better and regain control over her living environment. Offer to assist her in finding a therapist or attending the first appointment for support.

5. Highlight the Benefits of Treatment: Discuss the potential positive outcomes of treatment, such as improved living conditions, reduced anxiety, and better relationships with family and neighbors. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. Set Boundaries: If her hoarding behavior is affecting your well-being or that of other family members, it may be necessary to establish boundaries. This could involve limiting the amount of time spent in her home or discussing the possibility of seeking external help if the situation does not improve.

7. Involve Other Family Members: If possible, enlist the support of other family members or friends who are concerned about her well-being. A united front can help convey the seriousness of the situation and encourage her to seek help.

8. Be Patient: Change takes time, especially for someone with hoarding disorder. Be prepared for resistance and setbacks. Celebrate small victories and remain supportive throughout the process.

9. Consider Intervention: In severe cases, a more structured intervention may be necessary. This involves gathering family and friends to express concern in a supportive manner. However, this should be approached with caution and ideally with the guidance of a mental health professional.

10. Explore Community Resources: Look for local support groups or organizations that specialize in hoarding disorder. These resources can provide additional support and guidance for both you and your mother.

In conclusion, helping a loved one with hoarding disorder requires a compassionate and patient approach. It is essential to understand that this disorder is often a symptom of deeper emotional issues. By fostering open communication, encouraging professional help, and providing ongoing support, you can assist your mother in taking the first steps toward recovery. Remember, the journey may be long, but with the right support, positive change is possible.

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