Compulsive shopping disorder (or oniomania) affects about 5-8% of the population.
If you often find yourself making purchases that you don’t really need or that you later regret but can’t stop, you’re not alone.
Compulsive shopping disorder or oniomania According to a University of Iowa study (from the ancient Greek verb oneomai, meaning to receive), it affects about 5-8% of the world’s population. On the other hand, every person has almost a 6% chance of experiencing it at some point in their life.
The disease usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. The average age of onset is 30 years.
So why do these people need to shop? The answer lies in their emotions and mental health, he replies psychologist Dr. Susan Albers From the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
“Shopping is often a way to manage stress, anxiety and depression,” she says. “It’s a way for them to fill their emotional void, escape their negative emotions, and get temporary pleasure.”
As he explains, when we buy something, our brain releases dopamine—the feel-good chemical. But this satisfaction comes not from the product we buy, but from the purchase itself.
How can you stop?
Unfortunately, compulsive shopping disorder is not an innocent condition. If left untreated, it can cause an excessive drain on vital resources and cause severe emotional and psychological distress.
Dr. to reduce it. Albers recommends making simple changes to your behavior first, like taking a break before shopping. “Ask yourself, do you really need what you want to buy? Will it add something meaningful to your life? And why do you buy? Not because it’s necessary, but because you have negative feelings?” he says.
It is also a good idea to remove shopping apps from your mobile phone. It will also help if you set a limit on how much you can spend on them.
“The difference between oniomania and healthy shopping is intention and results,” explains the expert. “When we make healthy purchases, our purchases are made in a calm and planned manner. They are what we need. In contrast, compulsive shopping disorder leads us to make impulse purchases. There is an emotional incentive behind them, and they often cause emotional or financial distress.”
How do you know if your shopping is compulsive or healthy? If you feel guilty about shopping, this is an unhealthy sign.
Dr. Albers recommends thinking carefully about your motivation and need for shopping. It may also be a good idea to see a mental health professional if you feel they are compelling.