What type of behavior does someone with hoarding engage in?

The behavior associated with hoarding is characterized by the collection of items with little to no intent to discard them. Individuals who hoard often feel a strong emotional attachment to their possessions, believing that they are necessary or have significant value, even if others disagree. This attachment can lead to the accumulation of items to the point that living spaces become cluttered and unmanageable, ultimately interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.

In contrast to excessive worrying, social avoidance, or seeking reassurance, hoarding behavior specifically involves the actions of collecting and retaining items. While excessive worrying may accompany various mental health issues, and social avoidance or seeking reassurance could be related to anxiety or other emotional disorders, they do not define the core behavior of hoarding. The essence of hoarding lies in the inability or unwillingness to let go of items, regardless of their actual usefulness or value, making the collection of items a key indicator of this condition.