Compulsive Shopping Disorder

Definition

Compulsive Shopping Disorder, while not formally recognized as an official diagnosis, refers to a behavioural pattern in which individuals invest significant time and money shopping either online or in physical stores.

Commonly referred to as oniomania, this condition is characterized by an inability to resist the urge to shop in order to satisfy a compulsion. The behaviour typically begins during adolescence, and a higher prevalence is observed among females.

Types

Several sub-types of compulsive shopping behaviour have been identified:

  • Collector Shoppers: These individuals are driven by the desire to collect variations of a particular item, such as perfumes, handbags, shoes, or cars. The focus is on curating a collection, often from a specific brand or category—for example, collecting designer handbags from a single fashion house.
  • Codependent Shoppers: These shoppers tend to rely on external validation and often involve others in their shopping experiences. Compulsion is closely tied to approval from loved ones, and purchases are often influenced by what is accepted or admired by others.
  • Trophy Shoppers: Individuals in this group shop with a very specific item or image in mind. They may spend considerable time and energy finding the exact product that matches their mental image, placing more value on the item than on time or financial cost.
  • Image Shoppers: These individuals use shopping as a way to elevate their social status. They typically opt for luxury or high-status items that project wealth or prestige and are highly concerned with societal perception.
  • Bargain Shoppers: These shoppers focus more on securing deals and discounts than on the actual usefulness or necessity of the product. The satisfaction lies in the perceived gain rather than the item itself.

Comorbid Disorders

Compulsive shopping may coexist with or contribute to a range of other mental health issues, including:

  • Impulse control disorders
  • Compulsive hoarding
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Substance use (used as a substitute when shopping is restricted)
  • Personality disorders

Causes

Potential underlying factors for compulsive shopping disorder include:

  • Seeking approval from others
  • Emotional deprivation or unresolved emotional issues from childhood
  • A desire to establish control in one’s life
  • Feelings of inner emptiness and attempts to fill that void
  • A perceived need to attain perfection

Signs and Symptoms:

Proposed criteria for identifying compulsive shopping disorder include:

  • Purchasing items based on their appeal but never using them
  • Constant preoccupation with shopping activities
  • Frequent thoughts of shopping even if it causes impairment in daily functioning. 
  • Mood disturbances when unable to fulfil the urge to shop
  • Unplanned patterns of purchasing or unwarranted spending
  • Using shopping as a form of escapism or to attain a psychological ‘high’
  • Persistent intrusive thoughts about shopping or buying.
  • Preoccupation with sales, fashion, online carts, or wish lists.
  • Mental justification of purchases (“I deserve this,” “I’ll return it later”).
  • Shopping used to cope with sadness, anxiety, boredom, or low self-worth.
  • Initial “high” or relief followed by guilt, regret, or shame.
  • Mood fluctuations tied to buying or not being able to buy.

Impact

  • Impairment in familial relationships (frequent conflicts, miscommunications, etc)
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Low self esteem 

Treatment

Two main approaches are recommended for addressing compulsive shopping disorder:

  1. Medications: Pharmacological treatments such as opioid antagonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms related to compulsive shopping.
  2. Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used to help individuals identify and understand their compulsive shopping patterns. The therapeutic process focuses on developing coping mechanisms and modifying thought patterns that drive the compulsion.

Conclusion: Though often overlooked, compulsive shopping can seriously affect emotional and financial well-being. With the right support at the right time, individuals can begin the process of rebuilding relationships with spending.

Related Resources: If you find that your shopping behavior is causing financial strain or distress, access these resources for help:

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