Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Hoarding can be a symptom of OCD, and people with OCD may experience an overwhelming urge to acquire and keep items, even if they have no practical value or do not have the space to store them. They may also have difficulty letting go of these items because of a fear that they may need them in the future or because they have an emotional attachment to them.
People with OCD may also have specific rules or rituals that they feel they must follow in order to prevent harm or disaster. These rituals may be related to hoarding behaviors, such as the need to arrange items in a specific way or the need to check and re-check that an item is safe.
OCD can be treated with a combination of medications and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help individuals to identify and challenge their obsessive thoughts and learn to manage their compulsive behaviors. It’s important to seek treatment for OCD in order to address the hoarding behavior and other related symptoms.