Hoarding

At a general level, Hoarding means the collection and storing of large amounts of items, usually foodstuffs. In psychological terms, Hoarding refers to the compulsive need to keep (not get rid of) things, including old and unneeded items, and/or to continue to collect items in excess of current needs. Psychiatrically diagnosed as part of the continuum of obsessive-compulsive disorders, in extreme cases hoarding can create health and fire hazards for the victim through the accumulation of paper products, food, animals, etc. that block exits and encourage the growth of vermin and other health hazards.