by Mak

Created on: December 06, 2007   Last Updated: November 03, 2009

Shopping disorder, indicated by abnormal shopping symptoms, may or may not be apparent to the disordered shopper but noticed by family members and friends around. It is a compulsive and uncontrolled urge for shopping, the person can not control and keeps on buying the things, which he or she does not need at all, purchase are even on credit. Purchase items are normally piled up at a corner of the room, wardrobe or stores.

Shopping disorder indication are -

* Uncontrollable shopping
* Buying things that is not required and doubtful if same will be used ever.
* Buying items items on credit, which will not be required immediately and there no concern
that those items will be out of market soon or price will be increased.
* Frequently having arguments with spouse and family members over shopping habit or shopping
items.
* Impulsive shopping and feeling guilty after buying.
* Compulsive urge and buying same items repeatedly. Sometimes it could be sign of phobia for
some shoppers.
* Buying things which are not affordable and will not affect anything grossly without having
the item.
* Getting deep into debt from shopping.

I am not sure if we say shopping disorder as a disease but it is a symptom that affecting the person as well as his immediate family members. It could be a temporary condition of mind happened from stress or depression from various factors like strained relation with loved ones, office work pressure, etc., but it could be permanent behavior also.

To deal with the shopping disorder-

* If the person is not aware of his shopping problem, should be made known and let understand
by specific examples of his or her purchases.
* Let him or her own the problem.
* Let him or her feel the consequences because of her shopping disorder and what it is going
to be in long term, if he or she does not try to correct actively.
* Make a list of items to be shopped and try to have a budget for the month or week.
* Keep daily expenses record and show to the person that, what was unnecessary there and
what else could have been done with saved money.
* Impose control on credit card purchase and pursue on purchasing on cash money only.
* Engage in related self help groups for change in mindset.
* If the disorder is because of stress or depression, try to eliminate underlying cause of
the disorder.
* Advice could be sought from psychologist in cases of clear psychological problem.

When shopping turns into a shopping disorder, it is really a painful situation for the person and his immediate family members around. It affects whole family and not the person alone. It better to start dealing from beginning rather than too late.

Learn more about this author, Mak.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.