Chapter 06 Exercise 31, Page 109

Exercise 31

Page 109

Hoarding

Rebecca has a problem. She doesn’t have any visitors. Her family doesn’t come to see her anymore. It’s not because they don’t like her.

It’s because no one can get through her front door. There is too much stuff blocking the way. Rebecca is a hoarder.

Hoarders are unable to throw out or give away things they no longer need such as newspapers, magazines, clothes and furniture. Some hoarders have boxes that reach the ceiling.

Hoarding has just recently come to the attention of the general public. Hoarding is more than having a messy or cluttered home. Hoarding interferes with a person’s ability to function.

Occasionally, hoarding can become life-threatening. In one situation, the floor of a hoarder’s house collapsed. Sometimes garbage builds up in the house and health problems arise.

Scientists believe that an area in the brain affects a person’s ability to make decisions to get rid of things. Researchers are working on treatments for this condition.