Thursday, October 22, 2009

Recognizing the signs of hoarding

By Nancy Carol

The Mayo Clinic says "People who hoard often don't see it as a problem, making treatment challenging."

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "hoarding" as a supply or fund stored up and often hidden away. That sounds thrifty, doesn't it? But some people go way beyond being thrifty, becoming obsessed with keeping so much that it eventually takes over their lives and their homes. People hoard various and sometimes bizarre things including, but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, empty boxes, cracked dishes, garbage, human waste and sometimes cats and dogs or other pets.

The well-respected Mayo Clinic says treatment of hoarders is challenging because "those who hoard often don't see it as a problem." If you suspect someone you know is a hoarder, here are some of the symptoms to watch for..." More