Compulsive shopping: A review and update

Abstract

The author comprehensively reviews compulsive shopping (CS), a disorder characterized by excessive shopping and/or spending that leads to subjective distress and impaired functioning. CS has been linked to substance use disorders, mood, and anxiety disorders, and to the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. More recently, CS has been considered a behavioral addiction. Most CS experts consider CS an independent disorder. CS has an estimated prevalence of 5% in the United States general population with an onset in the late teens/early 20s. Psychiatric comorbidity is common, including mood, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Little is known about its neurobiology and genetics. There are no standard treatments, but cognitive-behavioral group therapy appears promising. Future research should focus on validating the disorder and developing effective treatments.

Keywords: Behavioral addiction; Compulsive shopping; Impulse control disorder; Pathological buying.