Verified by Psychology Today

The Mind of a Collector

Explaining a mysterious behavior

Hoarding
Hoarding Is Everywhere; Beyond the United States

Shirley M. Mueller M.D. on January 21, 2025

The study by Kuwano et al. sheds light on the prevalence and characteristics of hoarding disorder in Japan and underscores the universal nature of this condition.

The study by Kuwano et al. sheds light on the prevalence and characteristics of hoarding disorder in Japan and underscores the universal nature of this condition.

Fear
When Horror Is a Hobby

Shirley M. Mueller M.D. on October 17, 2024

Horror may act as a "fear vaccine," helping some individuals develop coping mechanisms for stress and fear in both fictional and real-world scenarios.

Horror may act as a "fear vaccine," helping some individuals develop coping mechanisms for stress and fear in both fictional and real-world scenarios.

Hoarding
What Distinguishes a Hoarder From a Collector?

Shirley M. Mueller M.D. on October 1, 2024

While few studies have explored the differences between hoarding and collecting in detail, three distinguishing characteristics have been described.

While few studies have explored the differences between hoarding and collecting in detail, three distinguishing characteristics have been described.

Hoarding
Hoarding Disorder: Complications and Insights

Shirley M. Mueller M.D. on August 30, 2024

Complications of hoarding disorder are explored, including cognitive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, social isolation, physical health risks, and poor insight.

Complications of hoarding disorder are explored, including cognitive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, social isolation, physical health risks, and poor insight.

Dementia
The Biological Basis of New-Onset Collecting Behaviors

Shirley M. Mueller M.D. on August 25, 2024

The onset of collecting behaviors in disorders such as frontal-temporal lobe dementia and Parkinson’s disease highlights the profound impact of neurobiological changes on behavior.

The onset of collecting behaviors in disorders such as frontal-temporal lobe dementia and Parkinson’s disease highlights the profound impact of neurobiological changes on behavior.

Hoarding
Decoding Hoarding: A New Frontier

Shirley M. Mueller M.D. on July 20, 2024

HD and OCD, despite some superficial similarities, are fundamentally different in terms of their neurological underpinnings, clinical manifestations, and responses to treatment.

HD and OCD, despite some superficial similarities, are fundamentally different in terms of their neurological underpinnings, clinical manifestations, and responses to treatment.

Personality
Collector Personality and Life Satisfaction

Shirley M. Mueller M.D. on June 28, 2024

We are all chasing life satisfaction. Until recently, little was known about what personality traits contribute to it. Let's examine new information about collectors.

We are all chasing life satisfaction. Until recently, little was known about what personality traits contribute to it. Let's examine new information about collectors.

Back
Back
Find a Therapist
Back
Get Help
Back
Magazine
January 2025 magazine cover
January 2025
The New Grown-Up

There’s been a fundamental shift in how we define adulthood—and at what pace it occurs. PT’s authors consider how a once iron-clad construct is now up for grabs—and what it means for young people’s mental health today.

Subscribe Issue Archive
Back
Today
News
Essential Reads