What is Disposophobia (Hoarding Disorder)?

What is Disposophobia?

What is Disposophobia (Hoarding Disorder)?

Disposophobia (Hoarding Disorder), an informal term for hoarding disorder (see definition below), causes a person to have difficulty organizing and sorting the massive amount of items they have accumulated. In some cases, hoarding cleaning services and a variety of therapeutic practices are necessary for a person with hoarding disorder to begin living a healthier lifestyle.

Medical definition of hoarding (Mayo Clinic): “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs” – Mayo Clinic.

Hoarder Cluttered StaircaseIn many hoarding cases, people become emotionally attached to objects that have little or no monetary or sentimental value. When the thought arises to dispose of these items, sufferers of the condition become distraught to the point of erratic behavior and isolation. There are many levels of disposophobia. Therefore, there are many unique courses of action to treat disposophobia. The different Levels of Hoarding can range from “Mild” to “Life-Threatening.” Sufferers of mild to moderate clutter, which inhibits the use of livable space in their home, can recover far more easily than a hoarder living amongst mounds of clutter, biohazards, vermin, and rotted food. Hoarders must try to overcome their disposophobia in addition to going through the deep cleaning process to ensure they continue down the path toward a healthy life post cleanup. By letting go of the fear associated with the items in question you learn to let go of the objects that are causing so much harm in your life and the lives of the people around you. Once the fear is overcome, anything is possible. Learn how to treat disposophobia below:

How to Recover from Disposophobia (Hoarding Disorder)?

  1. Step One: Locate a licensed hoarding therapist
  2. Step Two: Those suffering from disposophobia must learn to build a bond of trust with those willing to help them. In order for a hoarder to divulge such information, they must trust the person they are sharing the information with
  3. Step Three: Develop an understanding of what has caused the hoarding condition to grow and fester
  4. Step Four: In order to determine the best course of action, hoarders and their helpers must first come to understand the different Types of Hoarding
  5. Step Five: Once everyone is on the same page, a plan of action can be put into place to begin the cleaning and sanitation process of the home
  6. Step Six: Divide your items into three categories using the (Three Container Method). The categories are (Disposophobia sufferers will only be able to continue on the road to recovery after they have sorted their items into those three categories):
    • Keepsakes/Collectibles
    • Donations
    • Trash/Garbage
  7. Step Seven: After your items are sorted you must organize them back into your home as you see fit. However, each item must be put into a place that allows it to be stored away so that you can use your home safely and in a happy environment

Once your home is safe and happy again you must periodically clean and organize your home to maintain this environment.

Address Our Mess offers cleanup services for disposophobia and has caring and compassionate staff to help with the cleaning project and organization. Call 410-589-2747 for more information on disposophobia (hoarding) cleaning or email jeff.cohn@si-restoration.com.

Wed, 10/30/2013 - 16:54 by Kenneth Donnelly