The time span in which the syndrome develops is undefined, though it is most accurately distinguished as a reaction to stress that occurs late in life.

[10][11] In most instances, patients were observed to have an abnormal possessiveness and patterns of compilation[clarification needed] in a disordered manner.

In contrast, there have also been cases where the hoarded objects were arranged in a methodical manner, which may suggest a cause other than brain damage.

Although most patients have been observed to come from homes with poor conditions, and many had been faced with poverty for a long period of time, these similarities are not considered a definite cause to the syndrome.

[4] Personality traits that can be seen frequently in patients diagnosed with Diogenes syndrome are aggressiveness, stubbornness, suspicion of others, unpredictable mood swings, emotional instability and deformed perception of reality.

[11] The direct relation of the patients' personalities to the syndrome is unclear, though the similarities in character suggest potential avenues for investigation.

The frontal lobes are of particular interest, because they are known to be involved in higher order cognitive processes, such as reasoning, decision-making and conflict monitoring.

[13] It is ethically difficult when it comes to dealing with diagnosed patients, for many of them deny their poor conditions and refuse to accept treatment.

Day care facilities have often been successful with maturing the patient's physical and emotional state, as well as helping them with socialization.