Compulsive accumulators are individuals, mainly elderly or patients with anxiety disorder, who suffer from a psychological disorder that causes the desire to accumulate objects, or animals, in excess and without need.
Usually accumulated objects are random and found in the trash, but the patient sees them as may be needed in the future or may have high monetary value. In addition, they are unable to throw in the trash any kind of thing even if it is no longer useful or dangerous.
Characteristics of compulsive accumulators
The characteristics of the compulsive accumulators can be difficult to identify and, generally, the patients can be confused with collectors, nevertheless the main differences are:
- Gathering things that are unnecessary and worthless;
- Do not keep objects organized and tidy;
- Accumulate objects throughout the house;
- Having many domestic animals, without having to feed or shelter them.
Compulsive accumulating patients are often individuals who become isolated because they are ashamed of their situation and the appearance of their home, and people living with them may not be able to live under the same conditions. Thus, accumulators are more likely to develop other psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, or infections.
Treatment for compulsive accumulators
The treatment for compulsive accumulators can be done through behavioral therapy, and the psychologist seeks to discover the cause of the anxiety that is causing the desire to keep things. However, this treatment can take several years to take effect as it requires a lot of dedication from the patient.
Antidepressant remedies can also be used to complement treatment, helping the patient to avoid the urge for compulsive accumulation.
Compulsive accumulators usually do not seek treatment because they do not realize that their situation is a disease, so family and friends play a very important role in helping the person heal.
Useful link:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior (OCD)
