Hoarding Disorder
 · 2 min read
 · Ben Afflicker
Table of contents

Understanding Hoarding Disorder: Key Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-5

Introduction

Hoarding disorder, recognized as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), involves an ongoing difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, leading to significant clutter and distress. This article details the diagnostic criteria needed to identify hoarding disorder, providing an essential guide for understanding this complex condition.

Details

  • Persistent Difficulty Discarding or Parting with Possessions

    • Individuals with hoarding disorder experience a consistent struggle to dispose of their belongings, regardless of their actual value.
    • This difficulty stems from emotional attachments to items, fear of making mistakes, or concern over needing the items in the future.

  • Accumulation of Possessions

    • The struggle to discard leads to the accumulation of possessions that congest living spaces and negatively impact their intended use.
    • In many cases, homes become unsanitary or unsafe due to the excessive clutter, posing health and safety risks.

  • Causes Clinically Significant Distress or Impairment

    • The symptoms of hoarding disorder result in considerable distress or impair the individual's ability to conduct daily activities—social, occupational, or other areas.
    • Individuals may face difficulties such as isolation due to embarrassment over their living conditions or challenges in maintaining employment.

  • Not Attributable to Other Mental Disorders

    • The hoarding behavior must not be better explained by other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder, or a cognitive impairment like dementia.
    • This criterion ensures accuracy in diagnosis and prevents overlap with similarly presenting disorders.

  • Insight into the Condition

    • While many individuals with hoarding disorder may lack insight into the problem, insight can vary widely; some recognize that their behavior is problematic, whilst others may not see their hoarding as an issue at all.
    • This variability can affect the willingness to seek help or the acknowledgment of the need for treatment.

Conclusion

Hoarding disorder is a multifaceted condition characterized by an intense difficulty in parting with possessions, leading to significant clutter and emotional distress. The DSM-5 outlines specific diagnostic criteria that help healthcare providers distinguish hoarding disorder from other mental health issues. Recognizing these criteria is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment, facilitating greater awareness and understanding of this often-misunderstood disorder.