Is Compulsive Buying a Disorder???

Compulsive Buying has led a lot of people to debt, most of these people do not even know that they have a problem, they just find out that they earn so much and yet they owe as much as they earn. So is compulsive buying really a disorder???

Compulsive Buying can be considered a disorder as it is associated by the uncontrollable act of purchasing items despite negative financial consequences. People suffering from compulsive buying disorder are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions such as eating disorder, substance use disorder, mood disorder, gambling and so on.

 

 What is Compulsive Buying Disorder

Compulsive Buying Disorder is a preoccupation with shopping that can cause distress and harm the afflicted persons life.  Compulsive shopping can be chronic, repetitive, difficult to control and results in harmful consequences. 

Studies has shown that between 80% and 95% of people who engage in compulsive shopping are women. The items normally purchased are not necessarily expensive but they are purchased in large quantities and are usually never used.

Difference Between Impulsive Buying and Compulsive Buying

Impulse buying is buying or purchasing something you did not plan to buy while compulsive buying is spending more than intended. While impulsive buying is mostly unplanned, compulsive buying is done purposely or intentionally. Compulsive Buying is more dangerous than impulsive buying as it can become addictive.

Symptoms of Compulsive Buying

1. Impulse buying

2. Leaving items unopened or unused/Buying things you don't need

3. Accumulating large quantities of unnecessary items

4. Shopping by themselves/Preferring to shop alone

5. Using shopping as a way to cope with negative emotions such as loneliness or sadness

6. Hiding what you buy from others/Feeling high when shopping and guilty after shopping

7. Are in a financial difficulty because of shopping

8. Are having emotional problems in your life because of shopping

9. Spending a great deal of time shopping and buying

Causes of Compulsive Buying Disorder 

• Deprivation in childhood- Being deprived of things like toys and other gadget during childhood can lead a person to keep buying things that they don't need so as to make up for what they did not have when they were younger.

• Need for approval - People can overspend and buy things they don't need to gain approval from the society or from their family 
• Need to fill an Inner void - Some people just have this urge to buy or have new things even if they don't need it. 
• A painful loss or grief - Grief and loss can cause one to spend and buy unnecessary items.

Effect of Compulsive Buying

1. Large amount of debt

2. Guilt

3. Marital conflict

4. Work issues

5. Academic troubles

How to Avoid Compulsive Buying

1. Track all your spending: You don't realize how much you spend till you sit down and write out  what you have bought and how much you had to spend on each items. When you have a list of your spending, it helps you to curb unnecessary spending.
2. Shop with others: Going on shopping with someone who knows your struggle with overspending can help you not to go above your budget as the person can keep you in check. 
3. Avoid Temptation: When you are trying to overcome compulsive buying, you should avoid going to shopping mall or searching through e-commerce sites if you really do not have anything specific you are planning to buy
4. Ask for help: You should not be shy about your struggles, you should talk to your friends, family and even a therapist if you have to. 
5. Shop with cash: Shopping with physical card can help you to really see how much you are spending on an item so get rid of the credit card and shop with cash.
6. Wait before buying: Before purchasing an item, it is advisable to wait a day or more so you can determine if you really want to get the item.

Compulsive Buying is attractive with those shopping online as they can shop without being seen. If you are a compulsive spender, you should try and limit your online shopping. Have you ever been affected by overspending ??? Leave a comment below, I will like to hear from you.