A study has revealed the prevalent hoarding nature of Singaporeans, with statistical evidence that one out of 50 people here will display such behavioural tendencies in their lifetime.
The study — Hoarding in an Asian Population: Prevalence, Correlate, Disability and Quality of Life — was conducted by the Institute of Mental Health’s research division, TODAY reports.
The study reveals that the lifetime prevalence of hoarding here is lower than studies done in other places, and is less widespread than other common mental illnesses including depressive disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders.
Hoarding is also an accompanying behaviour for other mental instabilities, for instance patients with intellectual disabilities and autism. A patient suffering from schizophrenia may also possess hoarding tendencies.
An alarming majority of the Institute of Mental Health’s patients who display hoarding disorders come from notifications from the Housing and Development Board, grassroots organisations or family members. The problem is an especially severe one in HDB flats, especially considering that it can easily affect neighbours in terms of stench and space.
Photo: Erwin Soo via Flickr
