Have you ever heard a friend remark, “I’m about to do some serious retail therapy” after receiving their monthly paycheck? Although the term is often used as a harmless joke, “retail therapy” is actually a sign and symptom of a much more serious condition called Compulsive buying disorder (CBD). CBD is the clinical diagnosis of a shopping addiction.
“Compulsive Buying Disorder is characterized by excessive shopping cognitions and buying behavior that leads to distress or impairment. Found worldwide, the disorder has a lifetime prevalence of 5.8% in the US general population,” the National Library of Medicine said.
Given that CBD impacts less than 6% of the US population, simply loving to shop doesn’t equate to a CBD diagnosis. Clinical shopping additions require expert evaluation and can sometimes warrant treatment.
“Persons with CBD are preoccupied with shopping and spending, and devote significant time to these behaviors. The two aspects – shopping and spending – are intertwined. Persons with CBD often describe an increasing level of urge or anxiety that can only lead to a sense of completion when a purchase is made,” the National Library of Medicine said.
The relief following a purchase led to the concept of “retail therapy” being coined. Retail therapy describes shopping with the goal of improving mood or avoiding difficult emotions. Turns out, hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins can be released during the shopping experience.
“Some people think these hormones only get released when you actually purchase an item, but it begins well before that. It can start before you even leave the house because you’re delighting in all the possibilities. Your happy hormones surge through the whole journey,” Dr. Susan Albers said to the Cleveland Health Clinic.
A study by the National Library of Medicine found that the onset of shopping addictions often occurs in one’s early to late twenties. Unsurprisingly, this correlates with financial independence and the establishment of a credit account for many young adults. Additionally, shopping has become easier than ever in the digital age.
“Not only does the growing presence of online shopping options make it so much easier to buy anything and everything, but constant advertisement and the culture around trends make it feel more necessary to spend online like everyone else,” junior Katelyn Omer said.
Unsurprisingly, research has observed a positive correlation between the digitization of shopping and cases of shopping addictions.
“A recent study tracked the online shopping habits of people with a shopping addiction and found that a third of the participants had developed an online shopping version of CBD,” a publication by Addiction Center said.
Given the financial and mental burden that shopping addictions have on affected individuals, it is important to seek resources to avoid monetary ruin. If access to resources is limited, positive behaviors and hobbies such as mindfulness and art can help regulate hormones and calm anxiety.
The Cleveland Health Clinic also suggests that, “Applying the theory of anticipation and saving up for your reward gives you something to look forward to, which creates excitement and a release of dopamine over time. You’ll be surprised at how happy you can feel working toward those positive results,” Dr. Albers said.
Omer echoes this sentiment, sharing that, “One time, I saved for a few weeks to buy a dress I wanted. Saving definitely makes buying more rewarding because you know you earned it and can feel excited about your purchase.”
With consumerism and overconsumption becoming a norm in many societies, the National Library of Medicine predicts that the prevalence of shopping addictions will only increase. However, establishing healthy relationships with money from an early age can prevent you from becoming a chronic customer.