Diogenes Syndrome or Squalor syndrome

I had been quite disturbed for the last 2 weeks ever since I witnessed the dilapidated and filthy condition of a house occupied by a relative. I had never seen anything near to it in my whole life! To top it all he is rich, with millions in his account and in shares, besides a few houses in prime locations. It disturbed me so much that I did an internet search on people living in such conditions and I found out that there is actually a behavioural disorder called the Diogenes Syndrome or sometimes called the Squalor Syndorme.

This rare form of behavioural disorder, usually found in the elderly, is characterized by extreme squalor, gross self-neglect, lack of self-consciousness about personal habits, untidiness, and compulsive hoarding of objects such as books, newspapers, tin cans, mails or garbage which could have been in the house for more than 10 years. This is accompanied by a self-imposed isolation and the refusal of external help. The person is often aloof, suspicious, emotionally moody, aggressive and reality distorting.

Diogenes syndrome is not a disease, it is a psychological condition. Very often this disorder affects old people who live alone. It is considered to be the end stage of a personality disorder.

Diogenes Syndrome is named after Diogenes of Sinope, the ancient Greek Philosopher who gave up mainstream life to live in poverty and made his home in a barrel (see the painting, credit to Wikipedia) .

It was found that those at high risk of lapsing into such squalor are often old people of the independent and domineering type, living alone, with poor or non-existent social links with their local community. When brought to the attention of medical professionals, either because of complaints by neighbours or during a physical illness, such people are usually found to be of sound mind, do not experience financial hardship and tend to come from an affluent socio-economic background. However, persons with the Syndrome can come from all social groups.

Rehabilitation of such people has been said to be possible, but difficult. I hope my relative can be helped, but currently I have no answer how to help him.

For more information, please read Diogenes syndrome: self-neglect and hoarding - not a pretty picture by Pat Salber, MD