Plot Synopsis

Hoarding is a psychological obsession that affects an estimated 700,000 to 1.4 million Americans. These people compulsively collect and save every item imaginable and throw away virtually nothing, keeping their homes in shambles. Some know they have a problem and are embarrassed to even have people over -- they're just not sure how to help themselves -- while others don't think there's a problem at all. HOARDING: BURIED ALIVE explores this serious condition and how it affects people's lives, family and friends. On October 4, 2009 at 8pm ET/PT, TLC aired a one-hour special with the same name.