Hoarding, inability to throw things away?

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elkclan
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22 Sep 2015, 5:08 am

I usually say I'm NT here, but really I think I'm undiagnosed ADD (inattentive). I have executive dysfunction issues. I find it very painful to throw things out unless I'm in the zone. Each decision is mental anguish. I'm not so bad with obvious trash, but less good with 'useless' or at least unused items. However, I find it much easier to give things away.
And I can get rid of stuff if I make myself. But it is not easy. I have hoardy tendencies, but I don't think I'm a hoarder. Believe me, I WANT this stuff out of my house, but I just find it very hard to do so. I know I have more emotional attachment to items than is good for me. I do not have the same problem with other stuff and when I cleared my grandfather's house after he died I was able to make decisions quickly and organised the distribution of his stuff (he had a lot of stuff, including stock from his antiques business so there was a lot of document checking and research as well).

My ex moved out in July and took 30+ years of his special interest items with him. His special interest items took over the whole top half of our house and he continued to buy and buy and buy. That's hoarding. But his stuff was definitely well organised. He cannot get rid of it. Unfortunately, he took an approach of 'mine' vs 'not-mine' and dumped everything else that wasn't 'his' in my area to make more space for his special interest stuff. . It didn't matter if it was trash that he no longer wanted, his documents that had nothing to do with his special interest, our son's stuff or my stuff. He simply dumped (literally) into my space. What with my poor thing management skills, I would get incredibly overwhelmed and the house got in a bad state. which he then blamed and belittled me for :? It's taking me a while to get things back in order, but I'm getting there.



whatamess
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11 Nov 2015, 11:24 pm

I think that's an executive function issue that can present itself in both AS and ADHD. I don't really have this, as I like order, although it is hard for me to get rid of things. But my husband has it.

I have also read that it is related to OCD as well.