Shopaholics might be sick

In addition to being bad on the wallet, frequent shopping trips could indicate something more than lack of control, experts warn.

That’s why they believe that the shopping addiction, also known as oniomania or the compulsive buying disorder, should be classified as a disease.

A recent study carried out at the Hannover Medical School has shown that 7% of adults exhibit some kind of a shopping-related compulsive disorder, and the number has grown in the past two decades in America and Europe.

As Astrid Muller of the Hannover Medical School says, there’s an increasing need for the recognition and a better understanding of this dangerous condition.

– It’s time to recognize the shopping disorder as a distinct mental state. This will help us develop better diagnosis and treatment methods – Muller said.

According to PsychGuides, those who suffer from disorder often cite the compulsion to spend or anxiety that can only be assuaged through shopping. They also use shopping as a way to escape negative emotions.

The disorder develops regardless of the income, and the items bought are not always expensive.

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Astrid Muller

PsychGuides