Chronic Disorganization
Everyone has occasional clutter in their homes and workplaces. It is generally a temporary situation that is cleared up and maintained most of the time. This may occur when sorting, spring cleaning, remodeling, working on a large craft project, or preparing for a move. Stress levels are low because the situation will only last until the event is complete and things return to normal.
In the case of Chronic Disorganization (CD) the clutter remains constant, and in some cases, increases until it becomes a hoarding situation. In 2013 the American Psychiatric Association, in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM, 5th edition) declared that Hoarding Disorder (HD) is a mental disorder separate from others such as OCD, ADHD, and similar disorders. The unique factors of HD are:
Persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions regardless of their actual value.
This difficulty is due to a perceived need to save the items and distress associated with discarding them.
The symptoms result in the accumulation of possessions that congest and clutter active living areas and substantially compromise their intended use.
The hoarding causes clinically significant or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
While professional organizers can assist with sorting and removing possessions in the home, the intervention of qualified behavioral specialists is required to treat the mental and emotional trauma of the person affected. The ideal treatment and recovery in these situations is accomplished through a partnership of organizers and therapists collaborating on behalf of the client. Support of friends and family further ensures the success of the sufferer for steady and long-term improvement.
Agencies to assist in finding professionals qualified to help clients with Chronic Disorganization and Hoarding Disorder may include local health services providers, state and county government entities, and website searches for related topics and specialists. To find a professional organizer in your area you may consult the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Specialists (napo.net) or search the web using “professional organizers near me.” Be sure to research reviews, experience, and qualifications when choosing professionals that are right for you and your family.