The risk of increased compulsive shopping is higher at Christmas
Sales, gifts, Christmas, stock clearances… At this time of year, retailers take advantage of the season to offer lower prices, encouraging consumption. It is a good opportunity to buy the products you need. But it is also a trap that can lead to compulsive shopping.
The problem arises when shopping stops being a leisure activity or a way to fill a void, and becomes a need in itself—buying for the sake of buying. In that case, we may be looking at oniomania (shopping addiction). Compulsive buying syndrome is a specific type of behavioural disorder, similar to addiction.
People who suffer from this addiction seek, through shopping, a sense of pleasure that helps them escape unpleasant situations in everyday life. It can be diagnosed as an addiction that, at times, is associated with other psychological or emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders. At Christmas, the risk of engaging in compulsive shopping is higher, because it is easier for this behaviour to go unnoticed during the holidays.
Experts state that in 80% of cases, the profile of the compulsive shopper corresponds to women between 40 and 60 years of age who suffer from an obsessive disorder. This addiction also tends to affect people with high levels of stress, who use shopping as a release valve, as well as adolescents with adjustment problems who may present an eating disorder or a personality disorder.
In 60% of cases, this disorder can become chronic, so it is advisable to see a specialist. At CCAdicciones , we offer a free initial visit and then advise on the type of treatment the patient should follow. A personalised follow-up is always provided, with a high intensity of therapeutic support.
