by Mona Gallagher

Created on: December 05, 2007

We're all familiar with people who overspend and over extend their credit, especially at Christmastime. It's also true that many people live beyond their means. We see examples of it everyday in accumulated debt, but when shopping becomes a disorder it takes control of the person and makes their life a living nightmare.

Though addicted, compulsive shoppers are not blind to their habits and the chaos it's causing in their life, but they're powerless to stop. Impulse shopping short circuits the intellect and grabs the impulses. It's known as one of the obsessive-compulsive disorders. (OCD)

How do you identify a shopping disorder?

Compulsive shoppers are not always easy to identify until the spending spree has gone too far and the family is in trouble. If the person is single and lives alone, the first time you hear of it might be a crisis situation.

Within a family, it's easier to spot reckless spending by keeping track of credit card purchases and recognizing extravagant spending. Be proactive about examining the credit card statements and look for unexplained charges.

The compulsive shopper often buys the same items again and again without thought or need, and they often shop when they're anxious, angry or disappointed, to obtain relief.

If you're having a lot of arguments about spending and money, recognize it as a caution flag.

Addicted shoppers get a reward for their compulsive behavior. Sometimes the reward is exhilaration and relief, but it's followed by more anxiety.

What causes shopping disorders?

Some studies suggest that the person who finds pleasure in shopping becomes addicted to the pleasure and then a repetitive cycle begins.

Research suggests that a compulsive shopper may be locked in a cycle of shopping to feel good and later to relieve the guilt and shame feelings from overspending. It feeds upon and perpetuates itself, and traps the shopper in a vicious cycle. Alcoholism has similar cyclical patterns.

Addictions are serious disorders that leave the individual and family vulnerable to bankruptcy and family breakups. Destructive behavior such as this requires professional help if there is going to be long-term behavioral change.

The prognosis is good if the compulsive shopper gets treatment. Current treatments include antidepressants and cognitive therapy. Alternative medicine, herbs and homeopathic help are also available.

The serious consequences of a shopping disorder make it imperative to get help in order to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Sources:

http://www.mhagstl.org/ocd.htm

http ://www.indiana.edu/~engs/rbook/readabd.htm

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