Dr Larry may be wrong .....

Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:29 am Post subject: Dr Larry may be wrong .....

http://www.eagletribune.com/pulife/local_story_213185539.html?keyword=secondarystory

Family Matters: It's normal for people to have trouble parting with 'stuff'

By Tracey Rauh Solomon
Staff writer

Dear Dr. Larsen: Is there an obsessive disorder that causes people to collect and hoard things? We think my father may have this. He keeps everything, and we can't get him to throw things away. Do medications help people like this? — Collector's Daughter

Dear Daughter: It is doubtful that this is an obsessive compulsive disorder.

Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts that are disturbing and repetitious. Compulsions are ritualized behaviors. Some therapists might consider hoarding an outgrowth of obsessive compulsive disorder, but research suggests otherwise.

The late comedian George Carlin had a routine about "stuff." We have to buy larger houses to keep more "Stuff." Indeed, many people find disposing of things difficult, if not painful, at least a chore.

Collecting things more often indicates difficulty with decision making. Holding onto something because you might need it is a classic. Before you know it you have a collection of magazines that puts the Boston Public Library to shame. Brochures, old appliances, tired clothes, or any other object can rapidly develop into a similar situation.

The culprit is more often indecision and a kind of caution or protective style: "I had best keep that."

A few years ago my wife and I moved from our home of 22 years. We bought a townhouse, much smaller than the house we had owned. The "stuff" required three garage sales and a junk man. However, the experience was cleansing.

The lessons we learned have stayed with us. We try, sometimes without great success, to throw out old clothes, unused items and dated materials. The only thing I cannot discard without palpable symptoms is books.

The lesson: Travel light. You will depart this life with nothing.

Dr. Larry Larsen is an Andover psychologist. If you would like to ask a question or respond to one, you can e-mail Dr. Larry Larsen at lrryllrsn@CS.com.

Active Member Joined: Apr 29, 2008 Posts: 441

I think I hate this guy....is that normal? To think my Mom was merely indecisive, if I had only known life would have been so much simpler.

Valued Member Joined: Jul 31, 2008 Posts: 6

Everybody has stuff, but when you can't walk through your house anymore, there's more to it than just being indecisive.