Which symptom pattern is most characteristic of hoarding disorder?

Which symptom pattern is most characteristic of hoarding disorder?

• A. Tendency to hoard only when stressed
• B. Compulsive washing of items
• C. Anxiety and emotional distress if collected items are disposed of
• D. Lack of interest in possessions

Answer: (C)

Hoarding disorder is all about a persistent difficulty discarding possessions, driven by a strong attachment and a belief that you might need items in the future. The hallmark symptom is the anxiety and emotional distress that occurs if collected items are discarded or even considered for disposal, which leads to accumulating clutter and impairment in living space. This distress when faced with getting rid of things explains why possessions are saved and why they become so hard to part with. Other patterns don’t fit as well. Hoarding isn’t simply a reaction that happens only during stress; it tends to be chronic and pervasive. Compulsive washing or cleaning is more typical of OCD with contamination concerns. A lack of interest in possessions would not explain the distress and attachment seen in hoarding.

Hoarding disorder is all about a persistent difficulty discarding possessions, driven by a strong attachment and a belief that you might need items in the future. The hallmark symptom is the anxiety and emotional distress that occurs if collected items are discarded or even considered for disposal, which leads to accumulating clutter and impairment in living space. This distress when faced with getting rid of things explains why possessions are saved and why they become so hard to part with.

Other patterns don’t fit as well. Hoarding isn’t simply a reaction that happens only during stress; it tends to be chronic and pervasive. Compulsive washing or cleaning is more typical of OCD with contamination concerns. A lack of interest in possessions would not explain the distress and attachment seen in hoarding.