Diogenes syndrome: understand before stepping in

Diogenes syndrome describes a severe form of self-neglect. The person stops looking after their hygiene, their health and their home. Most often, objects or waste build up until some rooms can no longer be used.

The term was proposed in 1975 by British geriatricians, in an article published in The Lancet. It refers to the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope. The name is debated: Diogenes chose to own nothing, which does not match the situation of the people concerned.

A condition, not a lifestyle

Diogenes syndrome is not an official diagnosis on its own. It often overlaps with what the DSM-5, the reference manual in psychiatry, has described since 2013 as hoarding disorder. It can also come with depression, dementia or addiction.

The triggers mentioned most often are bereavement, separation and isolation that sets in over time. Many of the people concerned had a perfectly ordinary social and working life.

Signs to look for

• a home that is hard to move through, rooms that are no longer used;
• strong odours, toilets or bathrooms out of use, pests;
• personal hygiene and diet that deteriorate;
• refusal of help, often with no request coming from the person.

Why cleaning is not enough

Emptying a home in a single day, without consent or follow-up, solves nothing. Research and Belgian practitioners stress a gradual approach: build trust, involve the GP, social services and family, and plan follow-up after the intervention to prevent a relapse.

Cleaning has its full place in that process. It makes the home safe and fit to live in. It works better when the person has been prepared, and when someone supports them afterwards.

What we do

We step in at the request of a family, a social welfare office (CPAS/OCMW), a health insurer or an owner. We sort according to the instructions given, set aside papers and keepsakes, then clear, disinfect and restore. Without judgement, and with a single contact from start to finish.