Final answer:
The statement is false; hoarding disorder does not automatically decrease with age and can persist or worsen without intervention. The severity of hoarding often becomes more problematic over time due to the accumulation of possessions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, 'The severity of hoarding decreases with each decade of life,' is false. Research, including the study by Mataix-Cols et al. (2010), suggests that hoarding is a persistent condition that does not automatically decrease with age. In fact, without intervention, hoarding behaviors can continue or even worsen as individuals grow older. Hence, the severity of hoarding could potentially increase or remain stable rather than decrease.
Hoarding disorder is characterized by the persistent difficulty of parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save them, leading to the accumulation of items that can congest and clutter living spaces. This behavior can cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. While the condition can be present at any age, it is often not until the later decades of life that the impact of the disorder becomes more visible or problematic, primarily due to the accumulation of possessions over time. Consequently, it underscores the importance of addressing hoarding behaviors early on.
It should be noted that individual experiences can vary, and factors such as intervention, treatment, and personal circumstances can influence the progression and severity of hoarding disorder. However, the general consensus in the mental health field refutes the notion that the severity lessens simply as a function of aging.