I'm not a therapist, but I have worked with many trauma victims.....And I get the feeling that many (at least half) of the people on this show would fit that description.

Hoarding and many of the other issues that come with it - childlike behavior, avoidance behavior, chronic pain - are often signs of childhood abuse, particularly incest and early childhood sexual abuse.

Just something to think about.  If this is the case for any of them, I hope that the clinicians on the show are experienced in that field and are encouraging them to seek help.

If you got to know my good childhood friend, you would be inclined to agree. My friend was diagnosed with diabetes 30 years ago. When mom passed away 20 plus years ago (diabetes complications), my friend and her dad were the only two in house. That's when my friend's collecting expanded beyond her bedroom. (She still has her "PF FLyers" gym shoes from grade school in her closet. Can't wear 'em now, too small, but she is saving them because her mom bought them for her.
Do I need to add that we are now 50? Her dad started dating about 5 years after the mom passed and finally found a nice woman to marry who wasn't scared off by my friend's jealous nature, as in "you are taking my dad away from me". Dad and new wife bought another house and my friend got to stay in her mom and dad's house. Dad realized his mistake when he entered the house to get some tools be wanted about 10 years into his new marriage. I happened to drive by the house and saw him loading up his car. I stopped to chat with him. He took me into the house. I was appalled. STUFF everywhere, in piles, in every room. He was so sad. In my childhood, I was a frequent lunch or dinner guest, and you could have eaten off the floors, mom kept an immaculate house. Now, my friend is battling major health issues all related to the diabetes and the lack of her own health maintenance. Now she is scared that she can't take care of herself and the house. She really hasn't been taking care of the house for the past 5 years since dad passed. Neighbors have started calling the village they live in to complain about the upkeep of the home yard and exterior. I personally have not been invited into the house in over 5 years now so I have no clue just how bad it may be inside since her dad invited me in all those years ago.Diabetes has been her cop out all these years.....I have it, I can't do anything. Then I look at two other friends who were diabetics before they became moms. Doctors visits are a normal part of life...and both of them have done so much, so D can't really be an excuse to stop anyone from living. Anyone got any advice on what I can do to help? Keep in mind that I have my own family, house, and responsibilities that go along with them. Not to mention, trying to find full time work after being a stay at home mom for the last 19 years, and in this economy too! (wish me luck on the job hunt)