Here's one piece of paper that those who hoard should be encouraged to hang onto — a list of resources for those who compulsively collect.

•For a comprehensive overview of the history, symptoms and diagnosis of hoarding, check out the International OCD Foundation's hoarding page at http://www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding.

•For a hands-on self-help guide, many therapists recommend the book "Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding," by David Tolin, Randy Frost and Gail Steketee.

•An online discussion forum offering support for those who care for people with a hoarding disorder can be found at http://www.childrenofhoarders.com.

•A four-session support group for family members coping with a relative who hoards will be held in September and October in Rockville. $60. For information, call Beth Shapiro of the Jewish Social Services Agency at 301-816-2665.

•To read the studies conducted by Dr. Jack Samuels on the biology of hoarding, visit his page at http://www.experts.scival.com/jhu/expertPubs.asp?n=Jack+Samuels&u_id=1965. He was the primary author on hoarding studies conducted in 2007 and 2008.