Approximately 2-6% of the global population struggles with hoarding disorder, according to the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
Research from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that hoarding disorder affects up to 5% of adults.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that hoarding disorder occurs in 15-20% of people with OCD.
About IHA
Our mission is to serve as a comprehensive resource and collaborative platform for academic researchers, clinicians, municipalities, individuals experiencing clutter-related challenges, their families, and communities at large.
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The International Hoarding Alliance (IHA) fosters a global community united in addressing the complexities of hoarding disorder, clinical clutter, and chronic disorganization. This mission-driven organization was founded by leading hoarding expert Melissa Hladek, CSA®, CPO®, CPO-CD®, who also serves as the Founder and President of America's Most Organized.
We are committed to advancing understanding, treatment, and prevention strategies through the promotion of research, the sharing of evidence-based practices, and the dissemination of educational resources. IHA aims to empower consumers and professionals alike to implement effective decluttering strategies that not only enhance individual well-being and household safety but also promote environmental sustainability.
By bridging the gap between science and practice, we strive to cultivate resilience, foster community support, and advocate for inclusive policies that recognize the spectrum of decluttering needs. Together, we envision a world where every person has the support, tools, and knowledge to live a clutter-free life, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of our communities.
Help and Guidance For The 5 Stages of Hoarding
Hoarding cases are classified by specialists using a leveled scoring system of severity. Level 1 denotes no signs of illness or issues with severe disorganization.
Level 5
Level 5 is the most severe; level 5 sufferers typically live in concerning conditions that could impact their health and safety. By the time an individual’s compulsions reach this stage, personal safety and hygiene are at risk. Piles of clutter lead to bug or rodent infestations, and the volume of collected items can block sinks, toilets, and closets, making basic self-care impossible. Some level 5 situations have led to individuals who have been crushed and killed when the piles of items trap and suffocate them.
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IHA provides professionals and families with access to resources to aid in all stages of hoarding disorder. Trust the Alliance to find an Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) Clutter Level 5 Specialist; only these specialists are qualified to remediate the worst hoarding scenarios.
Locate Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Level 5 Hoarding
In Level 5 hoarding cases, clutter threatens health and wellness and possibly even the structure of a home or apartment. Local law enforcement and other officials intervene on behalf of landlords or lienholders (like banks) when real estate assets are at stake. IHA provides guidance for finding a court-appointed professional for probate/housing related estate matters; all hoarding professionals recommended by IHA have extensive experience working in partnership with landlords, banks, and other stakeholders.
Relocation Services for Seniors and At-Risk Individuals
Some individuals cannot live alone. Late-stage dementia, mental illness, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other medical conditions lead to untenable situations that impact health and safety. IHA guides you to trusted professionals and medical care team members to help facilitate relocation services for individuals who need more care, supervision, or support.
IHA Helps Health Officials Find an Expert Witness in Hoarding Disorder
Health officials require professional guidance when hoarding puts an individual at risk, or when it impacts the health of other residents and pets in the home. IHA helps professionals and families find resources for cleaning the home, finding a safer location for residents, rehoming pets, and locating valuable items. The International Hoarding Alliance guides professionals to the most credible and reliable expert witnesses in hoarding disorder to provide guidance and insight during a court hearing.
IHA Global Directory
The International Hoarding Alliance helps families and agencies research the resources available to them. Visit our Directory to find professionals offering clinical care, locate senior living transition centers, and reach out to other experts or suppliers who can help.