
"Hoarders" is an often painful look inside a disease that can bury its sufferer -- literally at times -- in its symptoms. Each hourlong episode profiles two people on the verge of a personal crisis, all caused by the fact that they are unable to part with even the tiniest possessions, and the cumulative effect becomes a mountain of junk and garbage overtaking their home or apartment. If they don't respond to professional help, the consequences sometimes involve eviction, kids being taken away, or even jail time.

An eyesore among expensive homes; hoarding parents create their own teen hoarder.

A woman racks up $50,000 in credit-card debt as she fills her home with mounds of clothing; a woman's collection of cardboard boxes forces her out of her own house.

A man who suffered brain trauma in an accident collects items that he thinks may trigger his memories; a woman hoards items that belonged to three late family members.

Family members worry about the well-being of a painter whose home is filled with thousands of nude portraits; an out-of-control hoarder moves his food and television into the bathroom.