From the idea of romance to the American dream itself, our world is full of media interpretations. It’s no surprise that the medical field is intertwined with fantastical depictions for us to enjoy. But while the media can be a positive force of change, Diogenes syndrome, often called “hoarding” or “senile squalor” syndrome, is surrounded by misinformation. Unlike the house-cluttered, hopeless OCD shows make it out to be, Diogenes is a serious condition that can lead to chronic medical problems and even death. Today on Dear Healthcare, we will be exploring the facts about Diogenes syndrome and debunking some common myths surrounding it.
In 2013 the American Psychiatric Association (APA) separated hoarding from hoarding OCD, which was widely received. Unlike OCD, people with Diogenes accumulate items excessively, often to the point in which it is difficult to move around. They are recognized to have strong emotional attachment to items of little value and appear indecisive and disorganized in general. These people may have hygiene and nutritional problems and prefer isolation. Diogenes can also cause significant damage to property or pets as time elapses. Hoarding OCD is classified separately, with the action driven by intrusive thoughts instead. Collectors and hoarders may also be mixed up, but collectors organize and search for specific items while hoarders tend to be disorganized in their accumulation.
The development of Diogenes follows a unique course, starting in the teenage years but becoming apparent around the age of 60. The APA estimates that only 2.6% of all people have it, and it is equally prevalent across countries and genders. However, it is often accompanied by schizophrenia, depression, ADHD, and dementia. This makes Diogenes especially dangerous as those with it are often resistant to getting help.
“Diogenes” may seem like a strange name, but it traces back over 2,000 years! The syndrome is named after an ancient Greek philosopher who lacked shame and a sense of social organization, hence its symptoms. Hoarding can also be split into several types, such as food hoarding, animal hoarding, and paper hoarding.
The exact cause of Diogenes is still unknown, but the risk can increase with heredity, certain personality traits (such as perfection), and stressful events. Treatment for Diogenes is a developing field but includes cognitive behavior therapy - CBT - and medication. CBT lets patients gradually learn to discard their items without anxiety and develop organizational and relaxational skills. Every Diogenes case is different, and there is currently no one-size-fits-all method for the disorder.
Hoarding is a serious condition, but the world seems to make light of this. Shows such as Hoarders profit off of vulnerable individuals, portraying homes in a way where it often seems comical to the general public. Many “clients” of the show often end up traumatized due to the sudden deprivation of their hoards and lack of permanent care. On the other hand, the show does attempt to treat abandoned homes and brings awareness to the condition in a manner that leaves lasting impressions.
A study by Midwestern University exposed participants unfamiliar with the show to television programs with either low, medium, or high clutter content. Participants who viewed Hoarders in comparison to milder shows such as House Hunters reported increases in stigma toward those in the show. If programs themselves are not at fault, the stigma created through them is a distressing reality of Diogenes syndrome.
Hoarding has many challenges that need to be overcome, starting with searching for effective treatments and providing help to those who need it. If you or someone you know is struggling with Diogenes, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (or NAMI) offers support, trained mental health professionals, and free hoarding cleanups, all linked in the description. For now, we hope you learned something new, and keep staying aware of healthcare!
Sources:
NAMI Link:
About Diogenes:
Diogenes and TV:
Diogenes name:
Writer: Natalie
Host/Translator: Alondra
Co-host: Joya
Cover art artist: Natalie
Team Dear Healthcare:
Anushri, Alondra, Sharanya, Joya, Natalie
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