Final answer:
True, hoarding symptoms may worsen for some older adults upon moving due to the distress caused by the change and potential loss of established social networks and roles within the household that provided a sense of purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: Moving to a new home or apartment can lead to a worsening in hoarding symptoms for some older adults. This is because the process of moving can be a significant stressor, especially for those who find comfort in the familiarity and control of their living space. Relocation can represent a substantial upheaval for older individuals with hoarding tendencies, as they are often already struggling with emotional attachments to possessions.
Hoarding, which may be considered for inclusion as a distinct diagnosis in psychological health manuals like the DSM-V, is closely linked to these sentimental attachments and the need to save items that one feels may be useful in the future or hold emotional significance. If these networks are lost or substantially altered, the individual may experience intensified symptoms. Symptoms could be further impacted if an older adult moves out of a family home where their role in the household provided them with a sense of purpose and place.