Although the so-called January blues are already coming to an end, there are still several weeks left before the promotions and sales period ends. One of the most prominent events of the year, and one that can awaken the consumerist spirit in the most vulnerable people. It is a disorder known as Oniomania, or Compulsive buyer syndrome.
What is oniomania?
It is an alternative way of referring to shopping addiction. A word coined by psychiatrists Emil Kraepelin and Eugene Bleuler in the 19th century, and which is still very much in use today. This term is very commonly used to refer to people who suffer from dependence on shopping. A type of compulsive disorder that severely affects personality, causing them to lose their capacity for self-control.
Oniomania is an illness classified within the field of Impulse control disorders. As such, it shares some characteristics with other addictive behaviours, such as gambling disorder, kleptomania or pyromania.
Consequences of oniomania
People who suffer from shopping addiction are often subjected to social pressure. They are more vulnerable to the trends that fashion and society impose on them, thus affecting their self-esteem and behaviour. For this reason, they feel the need to spend compulsively to relieve any consumerist label that people impose on them. Once the person manages to control their impulses to buy obsessively, a feeling of anxiety and guilt invades their mental state.
Among the most common consequences of the disorder is regret for spending more money than necessary, even putting family savings at risk. However, even while being aware of their dependence, the person may continue consuming, ending up with no money in their account and having to take out loans. Subsequently, the collateral damage of the addiction quickly spreads to the family, work and social spheres.
Symptoms of oniomania
Some of the most common symptoms of this disorder are as follows:
- General anxiety about consuming
- Dissatisfaction after buying anything
- Irritability and mood swings
- Lack of self-control to stop buying
- Feelings of guilt after spending money
- Insomnia due to worries
These effects begin mildly and can appear in anyone depending on their motivations. However, if they are not controlled in time, they can lead to an obsession with shopping, and subsequently, to emotional dependence.
How to control the consumerist impulse caused by shopping addiction
Oniomania can arise due to behavioural changes in the person. For example, experiencing high levels of stress, suffering from a personality disorder or having low self-esteem. With compulsive shopping, the individual manages to temporarily escape their problems and enjoy a few brief moments of happiness.
