Hi Hippoman, I'm a clinical psychologist and really can't diagnose people second hand. But your friend's mother could possibly have some serious mental illnesses ("pack rat syndrome" and paranoid personality disorder come to mind). Both these conditions, even when properly diagnosed, are very difficult to treat. Most sufferers don't come in on their own. They are usually brought in by family members and resist getting help. I would suggest you help your friend check out school or community resources to get some counseling for himself. I'm sure you're right that he feels responsible for his mother, especially after his father left her. Hope this helps. Karen