Modern understanding of hoarding increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many hoarding presentations.
The Nervous System in Hoarding
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to hoarding:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type hoarding
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by hoarding
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type hoarding
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Hoarding
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Hoarding
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving hoarding
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in hoarding