Welcome to The Hoarding Disorder Institute. Hoarding disorder is a unique psychiatric condition that has long been misunderstood, undiagnosed, and untreated. People who hoard rarely reach out for help. Over time, they may become socially isolated and lose their ability to function in daily life. Their unwillingness to part with possessions―even those perceived by others as having no value―can try the patience of friends and family members. Frustration also abounds in neighborhoods and communities forced to deal with a hoarding problem.
The good news is that hoarding disorder is now recognized as a mental health issue, not simply a lifestyle choice. The American Psychiatric Association has included Hoarding Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The acceptance of hoarding as a diagnosable mental disorder will help healthcare providers to identify and provide treatment for people who experience the disabling effects of hoarding behavior.
The not-so-good news is that hoarding disorder is difficult to treat. Well-meaning family members, municipalities, the legal system, and healthcare professionals struggle to address the challenges presented by people who hoard. Complicated ethical issues arise when seeking to preserve the individual’s right to self-determination while respecting the rights and safety concerns of the public.
The Hoarding Disorder Institute has been established to help address the emotional, physical, social, financial, and legal challenges that accompany hoarding disorder. You can use this website to find training and educational programs. You can use the HDI Resource Directory to find service providers who have been trained by HDI to assist people affected by hoarding. You can call HDI for a consultation about your loved one or a community member. We hope that the Hoarding Disorder Institute can be helpful to you and those in need.