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On phenomenology and classification of hoarding: a review

T Maier1

  • 1Psychiatric Department, Zurich University Hospital, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. thomas.maier@usz.ch

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|October 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Hoarding is a complex behavior involving excessive acquisition and difficulty discarding items, often linked to obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs). Further research is needed to refine its definition and guide effective therapeutic interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Science
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Hoarding is a behavioral abnormality characterized by excessive collection of poorly usable objects.
  • It is often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) and geriatric populations.
  • The existing literature on hoarding is heterogeneous, lacking a consistent definition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the psychopathological and clinical spectrum of hoarding.
  • To contribute to a clearer classification of hoarding disorder.
  • To review the existing literature on hoarding behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of the literature on hoarding.
  • Discussion of psychopathological and clinical aspects of hoarding.
  • Analysis of the heterogeneity in hoarding research.

Main Results:

  • Hoarding is a complex behavioral phenomenon linked to various mental disorders.
  • Its psychopathological structure can include elements of OCDs, impulse-control disorders, and ritualistic behavior.
  • Severe self-neglect is a potential consequence of hoarding.

Conclusions:

  • The term 'hoarding' has limited heuristic value without further specification.
  • Current understanding of hoarding does not adequately guide therapeutic interventions.
  • Hoarding requires careful case-by-case evaluation in relation to psychopathological concepts.
Abstract

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