Statistics.

i have researched into the statistics that relate to hoarding. only around 5% of the population are hoarders however considering the amount of stuff they have they take up far more space. And tend to spend a lot more.  this image gives more information and more statistics.




this is a very interesting image. it shows the statistics related to being a hoarder and other attributes related to it. i have been research into the hoarding to get more infomation about it. it also shows the personal problems relating to this. its surprising how true many of the statistics are.


another website based in the uk also has more information on the disorder.
http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/compulsive-hoarding.html

on this website it states-

Compulsive hoarding is listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV (DSM) as a symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which is characterised by the overriding compulsion to acquire new possessions and store them in excessive and often dangerous quantities. 

Up to 3 million people are thought to suffer as hoarders in the UK¹.

Some compulsive hoarders collect anything and everything, some will collect only particular items, such as books (these people are known as bibliophiles) and some will even collect living creatures (known as animal hoarders). Any form of compulsive hoarding can seriously impair a person's physical and psychological health if left untreated. Support from a counsellor can help a hoarder to identify the underlying reasons for their hoarding and then learn how to control their compulsions.

Where does the compulsion to hoard come from? Some experts² believe hoarding is a survival instinct left over from when early man had to hunt and forage for himself. Observations show that many wild animals, including squirrels and birds, tend to hoard nuts, seeds and nest materials in time for the winter. Even domesticated animals like dogs and cats seem to hold onto this natural instinct despite having no need to hoard. For example, some dogs are known to build collections of balls or toys in their beds, or start burying objects in the garden. Similarly, cats have been known to build up rather macabre collections of dead animals that they bring into the house as 'presents' for their owners.

Hereditary

Some experts believe that compulsive hoarding runs in the family. One study³ showed that up to 85% of compulsive hoarders could identify a relative who had the same problem. 

This hereditary thing relates well to my own project as i can already see how the hoarding is continuing through the family. my mum and myself ollect and keep things. but not yet to the scale that my mums mum does. but it still shows that if we dont do something about it i too could end up in the same situation.