A woman sits in a chair surrounded by bags and boxes of many colors.

Compulsive shopping disorder affects millions of Americans, with recent studies showing that approximately 5-8% of adults experience this behavioral addiction. Also known as compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD), oniomania, or shopping addiction, this condition involves excessive and poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors related to shopping and spending that can devastate finances, relationships, and mental health.

In today's digital age, the proliferation of e-commerce and payment systems has made shopping more accessible than ever, particularly impacting younger generations who face constant exposure to targeted marketing and social media influencers. Understanding this disorder and its treatment options has become increasingly critical for mental health professionals and those affected by compulsive shopping behaviors.

Table of Contents

  • What Is Compulsive Shopping Disorder?
  • Signs and Symptoms of Shopping Addiction
  • Prevalence and Demographics
  • Causes and Risk Factors
  • Related Mental Health Conditions
  • Consequences of Compulsive Shopping
  • Treatment Options
  • Self-Help Strategies
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How Therapy Can Help

What Is Compulsive Shopping Disorder?

Compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) is classified under "other specified impulse control disorders" in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). The condition is characterized by a strong urge to buy or shop in a perceived uncontrollable manner, loss of control over the behavior, and ample preoccupation with buying/shopping-related thoughts.

Unlike occasional splurges or "retail therapy," compulsive shopping involves:

  • Persistent, intrusive urges to purchase items
  • Inability to resist buying impulses despite negative consequences
  • Shopping to regulate emotions rather than to acquire needed items
  • Evolution from generating positive emotions to regulating negative ones, though relief is short-lived, leading to guilt and shame

The disorder significantly impacts daily functioning, often leading to familial, occupational, and/or social conflicts, financial burdens, and a reduced quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Shopping Addiction

The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale

Researchers have developed validated screening tools to identify shopping addiction. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale adapts criteria from other addictions. If someone shows four or more of these seven behaviors, they likely have a shopping addiction:

1. Obsessing about shopping constantlyA man pulls up in a red sports car. A beautiful woman sits in the seat next to him.

2. Using shopping to improve mood or escape negative feelings

3. Building tolerance - needing to buy more items to feel the same satisfaction

4. Experiencing interference with daily responsibilities like work or school

5. Continuing despite harm to personal well-being

6. Failed attempts to cut back on shopping

7. Feeling distressed when unable to shop

Additional Warning Signs

  • Setting budgets but rarely adhering to plans, convincing themselves each purchase is justified
  • Hiding purchases or lying about spending habits
  • Accumulating debt or maxing out credit cards
  • Buying items that remain unused or with tags still attached
  • Guilt, frustration, and anxiety frequently following excessive spending
  • Neglecting relationships, self-care, or work due to shopping

Prevalence and Demographics

Current Statistics

Recent research provides updated prevalence data:

  • Current frequency of probable CBSD is 5.4%, with males and females equally represented
  • Studies show 6% of women and 5.5% of men have symptoms consistent with compulsive buying disorder, with a gender-adjusted prevalence rate of 5.8%
  • Some studies estimate prevalence between 6-7% of the population, reaching up to 11% in adolescents
  • Among college students, the disorder is particularly prevalent in those aged 21-24 years, with a majority being female students

At-Risk Populations

Several demographic factors increase vulnerability:

  • Age: Lower income and younger age—typically late adolescence to early adulthood, when individuals gain financial independence—are identified as risk factors
  • Gender: While historically considered a "female problem," recent data shows minimal gender differences, contrasting with older clinical trials where women constituted 80-95% of participants
  • Income: Compulsive buyers are more likely to report incomes under $50,000
  • Sexual orientation: Those with probable CBSD are significantly less likely to identify as heterosexual

Causes and Risk Factors

Psychological Factors

Multiple psychological mechanisms contribute to compulsive shopping:

  • Emotional regulation: Shopping becomes a maladaptive coping strategy for vulnerable individuals who have not developed healthier ways of coping with negative emotions
  • Childhood trauma: Cross-sectional evidence shows compulsive shopping in adults is associated with several forms of ACEs, such as witnessing domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and psychological abuse
  • Personality traits: Research indicates specific personality characteristics increase risk:
  • High neuroticism and extroversion
  • Higher scores on measures of trans-diagnostic compulsivity and impulsivity
  • Low conscientiousness and agreeableness

Environmental and Social Factors

Modern society creates multiple pathways to compulsive buying:

  • Digital commerce: The growth of e-commerce and specific internet features (ubiquity, availability, anonymity, infinite scrolls) and e-marketing may amplify the addictive potential of online buying/shopping
  • Social media influence: Impact of social media advertisement and influencers on compulsive buying mediated by materialism
  • Credit accessibility: Easy access to credit cards and "buy now, pay later" options remove immediate financial barriers
  • Cultural factors: Modern culture equates material possessions with happiness, success, and social value, with advertising and influencer marketing continuously promoting the idea that buying leads to fulfillment

Neurobiological Mechanisms

CBSD is increasingly viewed as a behavioral addiction due to neurobiological similarities to other addictions. The disorder involves:

  • Dysregulation of reward pathways similar to substance addictions
  • Cue reactivity and craving, seemingly compulsive motivations and habitual behaviors, and diminished control over the activity
  • Alterations in dopamine and serotonin systems affecting mood and impulse control

Related Mental Health Conditions

Compulsive shopping frequently co-occurs with other mental health disorders:

Depression and Anxiety

  • Approximately 32% of individuals with depression exhibit compulsive buying behaviors, and 44% of compulsive buyers meet criteria for anxiety disorders
  • Strong associations exist between ACEs and difficulties with depression and anxiety, which are also suggested to be risk factors for developing compulsive buying-shopping problems

Impulse Control and Addictive Disorders

  • Adults with CBSD report greater symptoms of drug use disorder and positive screens for binge eating disorder
  • Comorbidity is observed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and familial alcohol use disorders
  • More likely to screen positive for possible ADHD and borderline personality disorder

Body Image and Eating Concerns

  • Compulsive Buying-Shopping Disorder (CBSD) is linked to disordered eating behaviors (DEB) and body image (BI) concerns, sharing traits like impulsivity and low self-control
  • Evidence shows significant correlation between CBSD and DEB, especially binge eating, food addiction, and bulimia nervosa

Consequences of Compulsive Shopping

Financial Impact

  • Average American credit card debt was $6,218 in Q1 2024, with 85% of persons with shopping addiction showing debt concerns and 74% feeling out of control regarding debt accumulation
  • Compulsive buyers are more than four times as likely as others to make only minimum payments on credit card balances
  • Online shoppers often show low financial awareness and recognize loss of control only after experiencing indebtedness

Psychological Consequences

  • Nearly 20% of people living with a shopping-buying disorder experience suicidal ideation
  • Persistent guilt, shame, and anxiety following purchases
  • Emotional strain contributes to a cycle of stress and further spending as a form of relief

Relationship and Social Impact

  • Lying to partners and family about purchases
  • Neglecting essential responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations, often ignoring loved ones, self-care, health, and work productivity
  • Social isolation due to shame about spending habits

Treatment Options

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The most common type of therapy associated with shopping addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has helped various behavioral addictions. Treatment approaches include:

  • Individual CBT: Focuses on identifying triggers, challenging distorted thoughts about shopping, and developing healthier coping strategies
  • Group CBT: Three studies on 12-session group CBT reported strong treatment outcomes, showing 64–81% remission after therapy with symptom reduction remaining stable at six-month follow-up

Specialized Treatment Approaches

Recent systematic reviews highlight effective interventions:

  • Treatment studies show promise for both psychological and pharmacological interventions
  • Guided self-help programs: Structured materials with therapist guidance for independent management
  • Third-wave therapies: Including mindfulness-based approaches and acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Online-based motivational interventions and ecological momentary interventions have shown effectiveness for related conditions

Medication Options

While no medications are FDA-approved specifically for shopping addiction:

  • Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has shown safety and effectiveness in treating depression and major depressive disorder that may co-occur
  • Antidepressants may help address underlying anxiety and depression
  • Medications targeting impulse control may be beneficial in some cases

Self-Help Strategies

Support Groups

Several organizations offer support for compulsive shopping:

  • Debtors Anonymous: Founded in 1968, with over 500 registered meetings in more than 15 countries worldwide, providing a global support network
  • Shopping Addiction Support Groups: Online communities for sharing experiences and coping strategies
  • SMART Recovery: Evidence-based support groups using cognitive and behavioral techniques

Practical Strategies

Evidence-based self-help techniques include:

  • Setting strict budgets, avoiding shopping triggers, finding alternative activities, and using mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation
  • Creating a 24-hour "cooling off" period before purchases
  • Unsubscribing from marketing emails and deleting shopping apps
  • Using cash instead of credit cards
  • Engaging in hobbies, exercise, or social activities to provide fulfillment without shopping

Financial Management

  • Working with a financial counselor to create realistic budgets
  • Freezing or cutting up credit cards
  • Having a trusted person manage finances temporarily
  • Setting up automatic bill payments to ensure essentials are covered

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shopping addiction a real mental health condition?

Yes, compulsive shopping is recognized as a real condition, with studies showing about 5% of adults are compulsive shoppers. While not yet included as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, it is mentioned as an example of other specified impulse control disorders in the ICD-11 coding tool, highlighting its clinical relevance and need for treatment.

What's the difference between enjoying shopping and having an addiction?

Normal shopping involves purchasing needed items or occasional treats within one's means. Shopping addiction involves using shopping as a way of coping with stress, anxiety, and depression, to fill emotional voids and escape from negative emotions, often resulting in financial problems, relationship conflicts, and persistent guilt.

Can men have shopping addiction?

Absolutely. Recent research shows nearly equal prevalence: around 6.0% in women and 5.5% in men, suggesting that despite social stereotypes, men are only slightly less affected and may underreport or delay seeking help.

What triggers compulsive shopping episodes?

Common triggers include:

  • Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, loneliness)
  • Exposure to marketing stimuli, influencer endorsements, and social media
  • Life transitions or stress
  • Seasonal sales and promotional events
  • Easy access to online shopping platforms

Can shopping addiction be cured?

While there's no "cure," the condition is highly treatable. The therapeutic goal is not absolute abstinence but rather relearning the behavior from a position of greater control. Many people achieve long-term recovery through therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes.

How do I know if I need professional help?

Seek professional help if shopping behaviors:

  • Cause significant financial problems
  • Interfere with work, school, or relationships
  • Lead to persistent guilt or anxiety
  • Feel impossible to control despite negative consequences
  • Result in hiding purchases or lying about spending

How Therapy Can Help

Professional therapy offers the most effective path to recovery from compulsive shopping disorder. A trained therapist can help you:

  • Identify underlying causes: Explore childhood experiences, trauma, or emotional needs driving the behavior
  • Develop healthy coping skills: Learn alternative ways to manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions
  • Address co-occurring conditions: Treat depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that fuel compulsive shopping
  • Rebuild relationships: Work through trust issues and communication problems caused by the addiction
  • Create lasting change: Develop sustainable strategies for managing triggers and preventing relapse

If you or someone you love struggles with compulsive shopping, help is available. Find a therapist who specializes in behavioral addictions and take the first step toward financial freedom and emotional well-being. Many therapists offer specialized treatment for shopping addiction, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and family counseling.

For immediate support, contact SAMHSA's online treatment locator or call 1-877-726-4727 (HELP) to find treatment centers in your area.

References:

  1. Andreassen, C. S., Griffiths, M. D., Pallesen, S., Bilder, R. M., Torsheim, T., & Aboujaoude, E. (2015). The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale: Reliability and validity of a brief screening test. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1374. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01374
  2. Barbieri, M., Griffiths, M. D., & Pontes, H. M. (2025). Materialism and compulsive buying: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 14(1), 45-68. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2024.00062
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Mental health treatment among adults: United States, 2020. National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db419.htm
  4. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). How to tell if you're addicted to shopping. Health Essentials. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shopping-addiction
  5. Grant, J. E., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2024). Compulsive buying disorder: Conceptualization based on addictive, impulsive, and obsessive-compulsive features and comorbidity. Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, 11(3), 156-167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-024-00259-9
  6. Harnish, R. J., Roche, M. J., & Bridges, K. R. (2021). Predicting compulsive buying from pathological personality traits, stressors, and purchasing behavior. Personality and Individual Differences, 177, 110821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.110821
  7. Laskowski, N. M., Gündoğdu, L., Wittemann, L., Halbeisen, G., Amaefule, C., & Müller, A. (2025). Interconnected desires: A systematic review of compulsive buying-shopping disorder and its links to disordered eating and body image by gender. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 14(2), 298-320. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00025
  8. Maraz, A., Griffiths, M. D., & Demetrovics, Z. (2016). The prevalence of compulsive buying: A meta-analysis. Addiction, 111(3), 408-419. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13223
  9. Müller, A., Laskowski, N. M., Thomas, T. A., Antons, S., Tahmassebi, N., & Brand, M. (2023). Update on treatment studies for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 12(3), 631-651. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2023.00033
  10. Müller, A., Lörsch, F., Brand, M., Tahmassebi, N., & Thomas, T. A. (2025). Psychotherapy research for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: Quo vadis? Addictive Behaviors Reports, 19, 100540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2025.100540
  11. Nikhil, C. M., Edward, S., Grace, A., & Swetha, N. B. (2025). A study to assess the prevalence and determinants of compulsive buying disorder among college students in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. Cureus, 17(6), e85664. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.85664
  12. Richardson, T. E., Müller, A., Sharifi, N., Gorman, N., & Thomas, A. (2024). Emotional difficulties mediate the impact of adverse childhood experiences on compulsive buying-shopping problems. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 13(4), 899-912. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2024.00056
  13. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Find treatment. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment
  14. Thomas, T. A., Joshi, M., Trotzke, P., Steins-Löber, S., & Müller, A. (2023). Cognitive functions in compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A systematic review. Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, 10(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-023-00251-x
  15. World Health Organization. (2024). International classification of diseases (11th revision). Geneva: World Health Organization. https://icd.who.int/