Psychologists warn: hoarding is a growing disorder, not just an issue among the elderly
Psychologists say excessive hoarding of belongings is becoming an increasingly common disorder that affects people beyond just the elderly. When the inability to discard items starts harming quality of life, help from psychologists, not just cleaners, may be needed.
For many people, overflowing closets, rooms and even balconies filled with rarely used items are part of daily life. The habit is often justified with the thought that an item "might still come in handy." For some, however, this reluctance to throw things away goes beyond simple thriftiness or clutter.
When frugality becomes a disorder
Psychologists point out that excessive accumulation of belongings, known as hoarding, is becoming an increasingly common psychological disorder. Contrary to the common assumption that it mainly affects older people, specialists note that the problem is spreading to a wider part of society, not just seniors.
When the inability to get rid of unnecessary items reaches a point where it negatively affects a person's daily quality of life, the situation can no longer be resolved simply by tidying up or hiring cleaning services. In such cases, professional psychological support is needed, since excessive hoarding is often linked to deeper emotional or psychological causes.
Experts emphasize the importance of distinguishing ordinary untidiness or frugality from an actual disorder, where the volume of accumulated items and the inability to part with them begins to seriously interfere with everyday functioning.
