Today we address the urgent and often misunderstood issue of Hoarding Disorder (HD), formally recognised in Britain in 2018 as a distinct mental health condition. HD is defined by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of value, leading to severely cluttered and distressed living spaces. Affecting an estimated 2% to 5% of the population, HD is rooted in emotional distress and trauma, not laziness. We explore the severe risks associated with hoarding, such as fire, infestation, and social isolation. The central theme is the critical need for a co-ordinated national strategy and compassionate, integrated support to replace inconsistent, often traumatising interventions.

Key Takeaways

• Hoarding Disorder is a recognized condition: It is a complex mental health condition, distinct from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), affecting approximately 1.2 million to 3 million people in Britain.
• Serious Risks Involved: Hoarding creates hazardous living conditions, posing a direct danger to the individual, neighbours, and emergency professionals due to severe fire risks, blocked escape routes, infection, and structural damage.
• Need for Systemic Change: Current responses are often inconsistent, relying on outdated legislation like the Public Health Act 1936 ("filthy or verminous premises"). This approach risks traumatising individuals, worsening the condition, and ignoring the underlying mental health needs.
• Effective Treatment Exists: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is cited as one of the most effective treatments for HD and is accessible through NHS talking therapies.
• Call for National Guidelines: Experts urge the Government to develop specific national guidelines to ensure a consistent, multi-agency approach (involving social care, housing, and emergency responders) across the UK, balancing risk management with mental health support.

Source: Mental Health and Hoarding
Volume 773: debated on Wednesday 22 October 2025

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Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0...