20/20: Season 2011, Episode 35

2011 - 35: A life Defined By Mess

There are an estimated six million hoarders in the United States - and while they suffer tremendously from the effects of this mysterious and devastating mental illness, their families also suffer along with them. In fact children of hoarders often spend a lifetime feeling ashamed, trapped and traumatized by the conditions of their home. In an eye-opening report, 20/20 looks at the children of hoarders, who come clean about the shame, resentment and lifelong secrets of growing up in such conditions.