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Compulsive decluttering
Compulsive decluttering
Compulsive decluttering
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An empty room

Compulsive decluttering is a pattern of behaviorde that is characterized by an excessive desire to discard objects from one's home and living areas.[1] The homes of compulsive declutterers are often empty.[2] It is the opposite of compulsive hoarding.

Compulsive decluttering is a type of disorder that is classified within a broad name, obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD. Compulsive decluttering is the act of throwing items, or clutter, away, or getting rid of them in an attempt to "clean up" what one with the disorder may think is cluttered. Even though it appears to be the polar opposite of compulsive hoarding, the two are related because they both fall under the umbrella of OCD in different ways.

Because a clean environment typically looks better and more organised than a "cluttered" one, people can get into the habit of decluttering, which can lead to the extreme of compulsive decluttering.[citation needed] People can often misunderstand compulsive decluttering with a typical spring cleaning, often due to the fact that somebody with the disorder tends to declutter year round.[1] People that have compulsive decluttering disorder think that any items around them are cluttering or disrupting their everyday lives.[2] Throwing these items away gives them satisfaction, and gives them the idea that they are in control of their lives.

Other terms for this behaviour are "compulsive decluttering disorder", "compulsive spartanism",[3] or "obsessive compulsive spartanism".[4][5]

Presentation

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Signs and symptoms

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Symptoms of compulsive decluttering include repetitive discarding of materials and consistent reorganizing of one's immediate surroundings. Some people with the disorder may question whether or not they have enough of particular items, and may never feel relaxed even if everything is in their desired "order." In some circumstances, a symptom is for the person to constantly feel as though they need to delete texts, emails, browser history, or photos from their electronic devices.[6]

Effects

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The effects of compulsive decluttering on one who has it can be significant. Because this disorder involves throwing away anything that causes discomfort, there may be a significant financial or social burden.[7] This disorder causes people to think they are better off getting rid of what they currently have, because it is in the way, and buying a replacement if and when they need one.[3] For example, if a pen is sitting on a desk, and it makes the desk look disorganised, somebody with compulsive decluttering disorder would most likely throw it away in an effort to declutter the desk, and when they need a pen to write with, then they would buy a new one.[3]

When this process begins to repeat, it is a sign that they have compulsive decluttering disorder. The financial burden comes from the repetitive repurchasing of the things that people would otherwise own for a long time, and normally would not need to repurchase. Depending on the severity of the disorder, the items that are being replaced can get to be much more expensive. People may begin to get rid of and repurchase phones, furniture, and even jewelry. It may also include adverse social effects. People with obsessive decluttering may deliberately or unintentionally discard items that are meaningful to others, like family heirlooms or photographs. The effects of this disorder are similar to those defined by OCD, although they may manifest in significantly different ways.

Treatments

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While there are no specific treatments for compulsive decluttering as of 2018, attempts at treatment are included in the different ways OCD is treated.

References

[edit]
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Compulsive decluttering

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Compulsive decluttering, also referred to as obsessive-compulsive spartanism, is a maladaptive characterized by an overwhelming and persistent urge to discard personal possessions, often resulting in excessively sparse living environments and interference with daily functioning. This condition is closely linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where the drive to declutter serves as a compulsion to alleviate underlying obsessions, such as fears of clutter causing harm or a profound discomfort with disorder known as "just right" OCD. Unlike , which involves difficulty discarding items due to perceived need, compulsive decluttering represents the opposite extreme, with individuals unable to tolerate even minimal possessions. It falls under the broader category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the , though it lacks a distinct diagnostic code and is often underrecognized. Symptoms typically include intense anxiety or physical distress triggered by the presence of objects, leading to repeated discarding of essential items—such as furniture, appliances, or —and subsequent repurchasing, which cycles the compulsion. This behavior can manifest as a subtype of compulsive tidying within OCD, involving excessive ordering and arranging driven by perfectionism rather than fears, with an estimated of around 25% among OCD patients in clinical samples. The impact extends to , financial strain from repurchases, and unsafe living conditions, such as inadequate lighting or lack of functional household items. Cultural trends promoting minimalism and decluttering, such as the KonMari method, can exacerbate the issue by normalizing extreme behaviors, making it harder for affected individuals to seek help. Treatment often involves exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, tailored to interrupt the decluttering cycle, alongside selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for underlying OCD symptoms. Early recognition is crucial, as untreated compulsive decluttering can significantly impair quality of life, mirroring the debilitating effects of other OCD dimensions.

Overview

Definition

Compulsive decluttering is a pattern of behavior characterized by an excessive, uncontrollable desire to discard objects from one's home and living areas, often resulting in the removal of useful or sentimental items despite potential regret or practical need. This compulsion can consume significant time and energy, leading to sparsely furnished living spaces that prioritize at the expense of functionality and comfort. Also known as obsessive-compulsive spartanism, the condition emphasizes an extreme form of driven by obsessive urges rather than deliberate choice. It represents the opposite end of the possession spectrum from , where individuals excessively accumulate items due to perceived future utility or emotional attachment, whereas compulsive declutterers actively eliminate possessions to alleviate distress associated with clutter. The behavior can emerge in childhood, as seen in cases where symptoms begin as early as age five; exact prevalence remains understudied but is estimated to affect a subset of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It often manifests as a specific of OCD, involving intrusive thoughts about clutter that trigger compulsive discarding rituals.

Characteristics

Compulsive decluttering, also known as obsessive-compulsive spartanism, manifests through frequent and intense episodes of sorting and discarding possessions, often disregarding their practical value or sentimental importance. Individuals engage in rapid "decluttering sessions" where they impulsively remove items such as clothing, books, or household appliances, creating a pattern of excessive purging that disrupts normal functioning. A hallmark environmental marker is the stark minimalism of living spaces, where homes appear unusually sparse or empty, prioritizing the absence of objects over everyday utility. For instance, individuals may live without essential furnishings like lamps or maintain only a handful of personal items, resulting in sterile, overly ordered environments that reflect an aversion to any perceived clutter. This visual austerity can mask the underlying compulsion, as it aligns superficially with cultural ideals of . The behavior follows a compulsive cycle: an mounting urge or distress from accumulated items builds until the individual acts by discarding, yielding brief anxiety relief, only for regret to emerge later, sometimes prompting re-acquisition of the same objects. This cycle reinforces the pattern, as the temporary alleviation of discomfort drives repeated episodes. In cases, one person discarded a multiple times, necessitating repeated purchases, while another gave away lamps and sat in darkness to avoid owning them. Such examples illustrate how the compulsion extends to heirlooms or functional goods, leading to ongoing cycles of disposal and replacement.

Causes and risk factors

Psychological factors

Compulsive decluttering is often classified as a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where the urge to discard possessions serves as a compulsion driven by underlying obsessions. In this context, individuals may perceive clutter as a source of , threat to safety, or violation of an internal sense of order, prompting repetitive discarding behaviors to alleviate distress. This association positions compulsive decluttering within the broader spectrum of OCD subtypes, particularly those involving symmetry and ordering rituals. A core psychological driver is anxiety, which manifests as an intense fear of chaos, loss of control, or impending disorder, leading individuals to use decluttering as a maladaptive mechanism. Perfectionism exacerbates this process, especially in "" OCD variants, where incomplete decluttering evokes physical discomfort or a nagging sense of imperfection until possessions are purged to meet rigid standards. These emotional pressures transform routine tidying into a compulsive , reinforcing the through temporary anxiety relief. Links to trauma are evident in the high prevalence of among those with OCD-related behaviors, with 50-70% reporting such events that may foster from material objects as a protective . Histories of loss, deprivation, or can heighten avoidance of attachments, viewing possessions as potential sources of vulnerability rather than comfort. Affected individuals often display personality traits such as elevated and rigidity, mirroring features of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), which emphasizes orderliness and inflexibility in routines. High drives an unrelenting pursuit of environmental control, while rigidity intensifies the intolerance for any perceived disorder, amplifying decluttering compulsions. These traits contribute to the persistence of the behavior, distinguishing it from adaptive .

Biological factors

Compulsive decluttering, as a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), involves dysfunction in key brain circuits, particularly the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) loop, which comprises the , , , and . This circuit regulates decision-making and habit formation, and its hyperactivity in OCD contributes to persistent intrusive thoughts about possessions and the compulsive urge to discard them for relief, mirroring patterns seen in other OCD subtypes such as contamination fears or symmetry obsessions. Genetic influences play a significant role, with estimates for OCD ranging from 40% to 50% based on twin and family studies, indicating polygenic risk factors that likely predispose individuals to possession-related compulsions, including excessive decluttering. These genetic vulnerabilities interact with environmental triggers to heighten susceptibility, as evidenced by higher familial aggregation in early-onset cases. Neurotransmitter imbalances further underlie these behaviors, with dysregulation of implicated in obsessive rumination over clutter and in the rewarding sensation of discarding, driving compulsive relief-seeking similar to other OCD rituals. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) often alleviate symptoms by modulating these systems, supporting their central role. Comorbid (ADHD) is common, occurring in approximately 10–25% of OCD cases, with higher rates in children, where shared genetic predispositions and traits amplify discarding behaviors, making decluttering more unchecked and pervasive.

Signs and symptoms

Behavioral signs

Individuals with compulsive decluttering exhibit repetitive and excessive behaviors centered on removing possessions from their environment. A core behavioral sign is the compulsive sorting through belongings, often leading to the rapid discarding of items in large quantities, even when they are functional or valuable. For instance, affected individuals may purge entire categories of objects, such as or household appliances, only to repurchase them later due to necessity. This cycle of disposal and reacquisition stems from an overwhelming urge to eliminate perceived excess. Avoidance behaviors are prominent, manifesting as a strong reluctance to acquire or retain new items. People may refuse gifts, avoid keeping sentimental mementos like photographs, or express disdain for occasions involving possessions, such as birthdays. There is often a preference for disposable or minimalistic items, resulting in sparsely furnished living spaces where essentials like lamps are discarded, leading to improvised living conditions such as sitting in dim light. These actions reinforce a but limit normal engagement with material aspects of daily life. Daily routines are frequently disrupted by the time-intensive nature of these compulsions. Decluttering sessions can consume hours, interfering with work, social interactions, or household responsibilities; for example, individuals might prioritize sorting items during scheduled events or upon waking, delaying other tasks. This preoccupation extends to creating inventories or lists of possessions to identify targets for removal, further encroaching on productive activities. Accompanying emotional distress, such as anxiety, may intensify these disruptions but is secondary to the observable behaviors. Physical manifestations include visible signs of agitation or restlessness when exposed to clutter, prompting immediate disposal actions. Affected individuals may display , , or hurried movements while rearranging or purging items, often described as a jittery need to "straighten" or eliminate objects like pillows or papers. These reactions can escalate to physical discomfort, such as a sensation of tightness in the chest, driving further compulsive behaviors.

Emotional symptoms

Individuals experiencing compulsive decluttering often report intense anxiety triggered by the presence of perceived clutter, manifesting as physical sensations such as a "tightening in the chest" or a "gear-grinding" feeling in the mind. This distress can escalate to panic or dread, particularly upon waking or encountering disorderly spaces, where the accumulation of items feels overwhelming and threatening. In severe cases, this anxiety may induce a of being "crushed" by possessions, driving an urgent need to eliminate them to restore a of control. The act of discarding items frequently provides temporary relief, often described as or alleviation of the nagging discomfort associated with clutter. However, this relief is short-lived, commonly followed by regret or renewed anxiety upon realizing the loss of useful or sentimental items, such as repeatedly discarding and repurchasing household appliances like a . This cycle of temporary satisfaction and subsequent guilt reinforces the compulsion, as individuals grapple with the emotional void left by purged belongings. Obsessive thoughts play a central role, with intrusive fears that messiness will lead to chaos, danger, or emotional overload, viewing possessions as symbolic of unresolved or threats to safety. These cognitions align with "" OCD subtypes, where clutter evokes a persistent sense of incompleteness or imperfection, compelling ritualistic decluttering to achieve an elusive internal equilibrium. Compulsive decluttering also contributes to broader mood disturbances, including and jitteriness when environments do not meet rigid standards of . Feelings of may arise from the recognition that the behavior disrupts daily life, while the compulsion's demands can foster , as individuals prefer solitary spaces free of others' possessions. Overall, these emotional experiences underscore the internal turmoil, where the pursuit of order paradoxically heightens psychological strain.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria

Compulsive decluttering falls under the category of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in the , recognized as a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rather than a distinct . The core criteria require the presence of obsessions, such as intrusive fears of clutter accumulation or loss of control over one's environment, and related compulsions, including repetitive discarding of possessions regardless of their value, which are acknowledged as excessive or unreasonable. These symptoms must be time-consuming, occupying at least one hour per day on average, and lead to clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other key areas of functioning. Due to its underrecognition and lack of specific diagnostic criteria or tools, compulsive decluttering is diagnosed clinically as an OCD presentation using general criteria. typically employs the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), a clinician-administered tool to rate the severity of OCD symptoms, with target obsessions and compulsions specified as decluttering-related. Clinical interviews are essential to assess symptom onset, duration, and context, including differentiation from non-pathological practices like cultural , where decluttering does not provoke distress. The diagnostic threshold is established when symptoms cause marked interference with daily life and cannot be better explained by another condition, ensuring the behavior stems from OCD pathology rather than adaptive habits. This framework parallels criteria in its emphasis on possession-related distress under the same category.

Differential diagnosis

Compulsive decluttering, often termed obsessive-compulsive spartanism, must be differentiated from , where individuals experience significant distress at the thought of discarding items due to intense emotional attachment or fear of future need, resulting in excessive accumulation and cluttered living spaces. In contrast, compulsive decluttering involves an overwhelming aversion to possessions and clutter, driving repeated discarding behaviors that lead to sparse environments and potential regret over lost items. Within the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), compulsive decluttering differs from subtypes like contamination OCD, which features obsessions centered on germs, dirt, or illness, prompting compulsions such as excessive washing or cleaning rather than targeted discarding of objects. It also contrasts with symmetry or ordering OCD, where the focus is on arranging items precisely for a sense of completeness, not eliminating them due to clutter-related anxiety. These distinctions highlight how compulsive decluttering specifically fixates on possessions as the source of distress, often manifesting as a "" compulsion to achieve an idealized empty space. Compulsive decluttering must be distinguished from other obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, such as (BDD), which involves obsessive focus on perceived physical defects leading to compulsive behaviors like mirror checking, and , which centers on distorted and restrictive eating. In these conditions, the primary preoccupations involve rather than environmental clutter or possessions. Unlike intentional , which is a deliberate choice emphasizing reduced possessions for psychological benefits like reduced stress and increased focus without causing impairment, compulsive decluttering generates significant distress, time consumption, and functional disruption, such as discarding essential items or interpersonal conflicts over shared belongings. Cultural trends glorifying decluttering, as seen in popular media, can obscure this boundary, leading to underrecognition of the pathological form.

Impact and complications

Personal effects

Compulsive decluttering, often manifesting as obsessive-compulsive spartanism, can lead to significant functional impairments in daily life by prompting the discard of essential items, resulting in ongoing inconvenience and disruption of routines. For instance, individuals may throw away practical tools like food processors or lamps, forcing them to repurchase these necessities repeatedly and interrupting activities such as or basic illumination in the home. This cycle of disposal and replacement not only hampers productivity but also creates a perpetual state of unpreparedness, as seen when important documents or work-related materials are discarded under the compulsion to eliminate perceived clutter. The emotional toll of compulsive decluttering is profound, characterized by cycles of intense following discards, which can erode and foster . People often experience anxiety and dread triggered by even minor disarray, leading to obsessive thoughts that demand immediate action to restore order, such as discarding books or clothing they later miss for sentimental or practical reasons. This is compounded by the financial and psychological burden of re-acquiring items, perpetuating a sense of failure and that affects overall . Physical manifestations of this distress, including chest tightness, , and disturbances, further intensify the internal strain. Health risks associated with compulsive decluttering include potential or nutritional deficiencies if kitchen essentials like appliances are routinely discarded, limiting the ability to prepare balanced meals. Additionally, overly sparse living environments resulting from excessive purging can pose safety hazards, such as the absence of supplies or adequate , increasing vulnerability to accidents or inadequate for health emergencies. Over time, individuals may adapt by developing hyper-vigilance toward their possessions, imposing rigid limits on ownership—such as restricting clothing to a minimal number of items—to preempt the compulsion, which ultimately diminishes by fostering constant mental monitoring and restricting personal expression. While some turn to long-term strategies like medication or to manage symptoms, this adaptation often sustains a heightened state of alertness that interferes with relaxation and spontaneity.

Social and financial consequences

Compulsive decluttering often leads to significant strains in personal relationships, particularly when individuals discard shared or sentimental items belonging to family members or partners. For instance, conflicts arise when one partner throws away cherished possessions, creating ongoing arguments and feelings of violation, which can escalate to isolation or even relationship dissolution. In one reported case, a fiancée's compulsive removal of items caused substantial tension with her partner, mirroring the anxiety-driven behaviors seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Similarly, individuals may impose rigid organizational rules on household items, leading to familial frustration and emotional distance as loved ones struggle to meet unattainable standards of . Financial repercussions stem primarily from the cycle of discarding essential or valuable items only to repurchase them later, resulting in unnecessary and accumulating expenses. A notable example involves repeatedly throwing away practical appliances like a —up to three times in one case—and replacing books or other necessities multiple times due to the compulsion to eliminate perceived clutter. This pattern not only drains personal finances but can compound over time, as the individual avoids acquiring durable goods to prevent future decluttering urges, leading to improvised or inadequate living conditions that incur indirect costs. Socially, compulsive decluttering can foster stigma through the embarrassment of barren living spaces that deter visitors and invite misunderstandings as mere extreme , despite the underlying distress. Homes may appear sterile and devoid of personal touches, prompting others to view the behavior as eccentric or enviable rather than pathological, which isolates the individual further by obscuring the need for support. Broader implications include potential disruptions to professional life, as excessive time spent on decluttering rituals or the inadvertent disposal of work-related materials can reduce and strain stability.

Treatment

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy represents the cornerstone of treatment for compulsive decluttering, a behavioral pattern often classified as a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by irresistible urges to discard possessions to alleviate anxiety. Therapists specializing in OCD typically employ evidence-based approaches to address the underlying obsessions about clutter and the compulsive discarding responses, helping individuals build tolerance for retaining items and reducing the cycle of distress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recommended method, focusing on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs that possessions are inherently burdensome or anxiety-provoking, while teaching skills to tolerate and attachment to objects. In sessions, individuals learn to reframe thoughts such as "I must declutter everything to feel in control," replacing them with balanced perspectives that allow for selective retention without overwhelming fear. This approach has shown in managing OCD-related compulsions, including excessive discarding, by fostering adaptive around possessions. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), considered the gold standard for OCD treatments, involves gradual exposure to situations that trigger decluttering urges—such as surrounding oneself with items typically discarded—while preventing the compulsive response of throwing them away. Patients work with therapists to create a of exposures, starting with less distressing items and progressing to more challenging ones, which helps habituate to the anxiety and break the compulsion cycle over time. supports ERP's effectiveness in reducing OCD symptoms, with many individuals experiencing significant symptom relief. Mindfulness-based therapies complement these methods by training individuals to observe decluttering urges non-judgmentally, without immediate action, thereby reducing the emotional intensity that drives the behavior. Techniques such as mindful breathing and body scans encourage of discomfort associated with clutter, enhancing distress tolerance during ERP exposures. Studies indicate that integrating with CBT improves outcomes for OCD compulsions, including those involving possessions, by promoting present-moment awareness over reactive discarding. Support groups provide essential peer-based reinforcement, where individuals with OCD, including those experiencing compulsive decluttering, share strategies for managing possession-related anxieties in a non-judgmental setting. Organizations like the International OCD Foundation facilitate both in-person and online groups focused on OCD behaviors, emphasizing practical tips for tolerating items and coping with urges. Participation in these groups often enhances motivation and accountability, supplementing individual . These psychotherapeutic interventions are frequently used adjunctively with medication to optimize outcomes.

Pharmacological interventions

Pharmacological interventions for compulsive decluttering primarily target the underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) components, focusing on medications that modulate serotonin levels to alleviate obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors such as excessive discarding. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) represent the first-line pharmacological treatment, with drugs like and sertraline commonly prescribed at higher doses than those used for depression to achieve therapeutic effects in OCD. These medications work by increasing serotonin availability in the , which helps reduce the intensity of obsessions related to clutter and the urge to declutter compulsively. Clinical guidelines recommend initiating treatment with an SSRI for at least 8-12 weeks at maximum tolerated doses before assessing response, as lower doses may be insufficient for OCD symptoms. The effectiveness of SSRIs in OCD, including cases involving compulsive decluttering, is well-established, with response rates ranging from 40% to 60%, defined as at least a 25-35% reduction in symptom severity on standardized scales like the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). For instance, sertraline has demonstrated significant symptom improvement in OCD patients, including those with or decluttering compulsions, though individual responses vary based on factors such as symptom duration and . similarly shows comparable efficacy, often leading to partial remission in obsessive thoughts about possessions and compulsive disposal behaviors. Non-response to SSRIs occurs in approximately 40-60% of patients, necessitating evaluation for alternative strategies. For individuals who do not respond adequately to SSRIs alone, augmentation strategies involve adding low-dose antipsychotics to enhance treatment outcomes. Risperidone, an , is frequently used as an adjunct, typically at doses of 0.5-2 mg per day, to target residual compulsions by modulating and serotonin receptors in brain circuits implicated in OCD. Meta-analyses indicate that risperidone augmentation can lead to additional symptom reduction in 30-50% of SSRI partial responders, particularly when compulsions like decluttering persist. Other antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, may be considered if risperidone is ineffective or poorly tolerated, but evidence supports risperidone as a primary option due to its established role in OCD augmentation trials. Emerging pharmacological options for treatment-resistant cases include , an administered via intravenous infusion, which has shown rapid but temporary relief of OCD symptoms by influencing glutamate signaling in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits. Small-scale studies report that a single subanesthetic dose of (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes) can produce a 50% or greater reduction in Y-BOCS scores within hours, lasting up to a week, offering potential for compulsive decluttering patients unresponsive to standard therapies. However, ketamine's effects are short-lived, and repeated infusions are under investigation for sustained benefits, with ongoing research emphasizing its role as an adjunct rather than standalone treatment. (TMS), while not pharmacological, is sometimes paired with ketamine in resistant cases to target similar OCD-related brain circuits, though evidence for combined use remains preliminary. Throughout pharmacological treatment, close monitoring is essential to adjust dosages based on symptom severity and to manage side effects, which for SSRIs commonly include , , and , often resolving within weeks but requiring dose or supportive measures like antiemetics. augmentation introduces risks such as weight gain and metabolic changes with , necessitating regular assessments of metabolic parameters and symptom scales every 4-6 weeks. infusions require cardiac monitoring due to potential transient increases in . Optimal outcomes are often achieved by combining pharmacological interventions with , enhancing long-term management of compulsive decluttering behaviors.

Cultural and historical context

Historical recognition

Compulsive decluttering emerged as a recognized pattern within the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the early 2000s, contrasting with the more extensively studied behaviors. The term "obsessive-compulsive spartanism" was developed during this time in online psychological discussions to characterize the intense urge to eliminate possessions, leading to sparsely furnished living spaces. A significant milestone occurred in 2013 with the addition of as a distinct diagnosis in the , highlighting the spectrum of possession-related disorders, while compulsive decluttering is addressed under OCD criteria. Public awareness grew through media portrayals, notably the 2013 Channel 4 series Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, which documented cases of individuals driven by compulsions to clean and declutter others' homes, often revealing the debilitating nature of such behaviors. The verb "declutter" was formally entered into the in June 2015, marking the mainstream linguistic adoption of the concept amid rising interest in . Prior to the , research on compulsive decluttering was sparse, overshadowed by studies, with systematic attention only beginning around through in-depth articles exploring its OCD links and personal impacts. By , further clinical descriptions highlighted it as a involving obsessive fears of clutter accumulation.

Societal influences

The rise of minimalism trends in the 2010s, exemplified by Marie Kondo's KonMari method and the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning, has normalized extreme decluttering practices, potentially masking compulsive behaviors as productive self-improvement. Kondo's 2014 book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which sold millions and inspired a Netflix series, promotes discarding items that do not "spark joy," framing decluttering as an emotional and spatial liberation. Similarly, Swedish Death Cleaning, popularized through Margareta Magnusson's 2017 book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, encourages preemptive purging of possessions to spare loved ones the burden after death, appealing to aging populations in Western societies. These trends can complicate help-seeking for individuals with compulsive decluttering, as their actions align with culturally praised ideals of simplicity and foresight, often leading sufferers to view their compulsions as virtuous rather than pathological. In contrast to pervasive consumer culture in Western societies, which encourages material accumulation through and retail abundance, represents a backlash that glorifies restraint but risks tipping into when taken to extremes. This tension manifests in cycles where compulsively decluttered items are frequently repurchased due to ongoing societal pressures for novelty and convenience, exacerbating the disorder's impact. For instance, the cultural valorization of "organization porn" on platforms like and reinforces tidying as a , yet for vulnerable individuals, it can intensify obsessive urges to eliminate possessions, transforming a healthy response to into a debilitating compulsion. Media portrayals further amplify these influences by glorifying tidying in books, television shows, and online content, which may exacerbate compulsions among those predisposed to obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Programs like the UK's Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners (2013–2016) depicted extreme cleaning behaviors as entertaining or heroic, drawing criticism from organizations like OCD-UK for trivializing the distress of such disorders and potentially discouraging professional intervention. Similarly, Kondo's media dominance has embedded decluttering into popular discourse as a universally beneficial , blurring the line between motivational advice and the reinforcement of maladaptive patterns in susceptible viewers.

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  47. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/obsessive-compulsive-cleaners
  48. https://www.oed.com/information/updates/previous-updates/2015-2/june-2015/
  49. https://time.com/5559039/organization-tidying-up-benefits/
  50. https://www.nextavenue.org/when-swedish-death-cleaning-goes-too-far/
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