Psychology In Seattle Podcast Hoarding Disorder (2016 Rerun)
Jul 10, 2025
Jennifer Sampson, the executive director of The Hoarding Project and core faculty at Antioch University, joins to discuss hoarding disorder's impact on daily life. She highlights the deep emotional attachments individuals have to their possessions and the complicated relationship dynamics involved. Sampson critiques reality TV portrayals, explaining how they can worsen trauma, and advocates for a more compassionate, trauma-informed treatment approach. Community education and collaboration among professionals are key to effective intervention and understanding of this complex disorder.
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Definition and Criteria of Hoarding Disorder
- Hoarding disorder is a new mental health diagnosis identified in 2013 with four main criteria including excessive acquisition and difficulty discarding items.
- The disorder causes significant impairment by cluttering living spaces to the point they no longer function properly.
Hoarding Exists on a Spectrum
- Hoarding exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild clutter to severe impairment that blocks access to rooms.
- Most hoarding cases are moderate, impacting daily living but not extreme to the point of total blockage.
Severe Hoarding Impairs Life Functions
- Severe hoarding impairs basic daily functions like cooking, bathing, and sleeping due to clutter.
- It can also lead to hazardous conditions such as mold, rodents, and unsafe living environments.