• The exact cause is not clearly known but it may be attributed to genetics and stressful life events.
• Risk factors include:
• Indecisive or procrastinating personality
• Family history – people with close relatives with the disorder are more likely to acquire the disorder
• Stressful life events – like losing possessions in a tragedy, or loss of a loved one

If untreated the complications may include

• Family conflicts
• Trapping by the clutter
• Isolation from others
• Health hazards due to unhygienic conditions
• Fire hazards
• Legal issues, like eviction
• Increased risk of falls
• Poor work performance