Diogenes Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms And Psychological Treatment
Diogenes of Sinope was a philosopher from ancient Greece whose main characteristic was to get rid of all the goods he owned and also preferred to live in total austerity. He disliked acquiring and keeping material things since for him they were nothing more than banal aspects instilled by society in general. He did not agree with other people’s way of thinking and decided to isolate himself from society and live in solitude. Diogenes syndrome is a disorder that refers to this ancient philosopher since people who suffer from it also choose to live alone and totally isolated from others.
In this PsychologyFor article, we explain the Diogenes syndrome: causes, symptoms and psychological treatment, We are going to provide you with all the necessary information so that you can learn about this condition in greater depth.
Although they also decide to live in austerity even though they have enough economic resources to live much better, people with Diogenes Syndrome tend to collect everything that comes into their hands and feel unable to let it go. They are people who accumulate all kinds of things such as useless objects, clothes, newspapers… This type of disease usually appears more frequently in people aged 65 and older, especially in women.
Causes of Diogenes Syndrome
Among its main causes is suffering from some other mental illness previously, such as:
Obsessive compulsive disorder or any other type of personality disorder
Dementia
Major depression or psychotic depression
Addiction to some type of substance
It has also been found, among the main causes of Diogenes syndrome that appears in elderly people who are very lonely, that they have remained socially isolated for a long time since they do not have family or do not have their support. Also in people who have lost their romantic partner.
Diogenes syndrome: symptoms
Some of the symptoms that characterize people with this disorder are the following:
They collect all kinds of useless possessions and belongings even collecting large amounts of garbage.
They have great difficulty getting rid of their useless belongings or the garbage they have been collecting.
The objects they collect They have no real value or symbolic by which they decide not to eliminate them. They are objects of all kinds, including waste.
They are not clear why They are carrying out this type of behavior, since when they are asked about it, they do not know how to give a forceful or appropriate answer.
They usually have coexistence problems Due to this attitude of accumulating everything, which can even take up quite a large space in the home.
They tend to be lonely people generally older people who have lost their partner.
It is common for them to have previously been diagnosed with some other mental or medical disorder. Disorders such as major depression, addiction to certain substances, senile dementia, etc.
There may be some type of mild cognitive impairment in the person which would explain their lack of interest in their health, hygiene and well-being in general.
Treatment of Diogenes Syndrome
With respect to treatment, it is necessary to mention that in order for the person to be examined and diagnosed, it is the family or the people closest to them who must take the initiative and accompany the person to go to a professional since they They themselves are not aware of what is happening to them, therefore they will never seek help.
This disorder can sometimes be confused with obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, in the latter, the difference is that when the person is asked why they perform that behavior, they know how to give a clear and detailed explanation about it.
How to combat or cure Diogenes Syndrome
It is necessary that professionals such as doctors and psychologists In some cases, the help of other specialties may also be required to make the treatment more complete. Above all, the people closest to the patient must be fully involved and be aware of their follow-up.
Psychological treatments for Diogenes Syndrome
The psychologist will be in charge of the person rebuilding their self-image again, which will surely have been quite damaged so that they can relate to others safely and feel good about themselves.
You will also work with those obsessive thoughts that encourage you to accumulate and reduce your tendency and anxiety to want to do it through restructuring cognitive. Sometimes, the intervention of a psychiatrist is necessary, in case the person needs a drug for their treatment.
On the other hand, the doctor will be in charge of curing any pathology that has previously occurred or is a consequence of the lack of hygiene at home and the abandonment of self-care. The person will also have to follow a diet appropriate to their age and individual situation and will constantly attend medical consultations that are necessary for their physical recovery. The family has to be in charge of disinfecting the entire home and helping the elderly person keep it in optimal conditions so that it is habitable, and it will also be of great help to be constantly in contact with them and attentive at all times.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Diogenes syndrome: causes, symptoms and psychological treatment we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.
