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GungnirSniper [soylentnews.org] writes:

While hoarding is nothing new [wikipedia.org], researchers believe that demographic aging will lead to an increase in the disorder [washingtonpost.com].

They call it an emerging issue that is certain to grow with an aging population. That’s because, while the first signs often arise in adolescence, they typically worsen with age, usually after a divorce, the death of a spouse or another crisis.

Hoarding is different from merely living amid clutter, experts note. It’s possible to have a messy house and be a pack rat without qualifying for a diagnosis of hoarding behavior. The difference is one of degree. Hoarding disorder is present when the behavior causes distress to the individual or interferes with emotional, physical, social, financial or legal well-being.

Brain scanning shows a difference in reaction among hoarders:

Brain-imaging studies of hoarders have revealed abnormally low activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, which governs thinking and emotion. When these people are shown trigger images — such as pictures of objects being shredded and discarded — that area of their brain lights up and turns hyperactive.

Treatment can include interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication per Wikipedia [wikipedia.org].

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