Compulsive Buying Disorder: Is spending addiction real? Treatable?
Published:
May 9, 2025
,
01:56 p.m.
ET
Key Points:
Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD) is not recognized in the DSM-5 as an official diagnosis, but can be connected to other diagnoses.
Shopping addiction can be seen as a form of Compulsive Buying Disorder
Treatment for CBD may include individual therapy and/or support groups.
CBD behaviors are reported by more women than men and may run in families.
————
Phrases such as, “Shop till you drop” or “Retail Therapy” are common in this day and age, but may indicate a bigger issue for those who struggle with compulsive buying behaviors. Compulsive Buying Disorder and shopping addiction were first documented more than a century ago by a German psychiatrist, Emil Kraepelin, who called this affliction “Oniomania”, which in Greek is translated in two parts as “for sale” and “insanity.” Although research on this topic is limited, the negative impacts that compulsive buying can have on individuals have in some cases been severely detrimental if left untreated.
Is Compulsive Buying Disorder a real, diagnosable condition?
Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD) is not recognized as a diagnosable condition by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) or in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). Current research on compulsive spending behaviors explore whether the characteristics fall into that of an addictive disorder, mood-regulation issue, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or impulse-control disorder. Although compulsive spending is not an official diagnosis, the impact on an individual's mental, emotional and financial health are real consequences.
Is Compulsive Buying Disorder the same as Shopping Addiction?
Shopping addiction and Compulsive Buying Disorder are often used interchangeably, but some professionals consider shopping addiction to be a form or symptom of CBD. Shopping addiction has been linked to bursts of dopamine in the brain, which can make stopping compulsive buying behaviors even more difficult to overcome.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
What are the signs of Compulsive Buying Disorder?
An individual who is struggling with compulsive buying disorder may exhibit certain characteristics or behaviors that center around an overpowering urge to buy items, regardless of negative consequences. Common signs of compulsive buying disorder can include:
Constant thoughts and urges to shop or buy things
Inability to control buying or spending
Buying items without needing or using them
Buying things to regulate or tamper down emotions
Continued buying regardless of negative consequences
Purchasing habits leading to financial issues
Hiding or lying about what was bought
Compulsive Buying Disorder treatment options
Currently there is not one recommended treatment option for Compulsive Buying Disorder, largely due to a lack of diagnostic criteria. However, research has suggested that treatments used for other behavioral addictions may be beneficial for CBD. Treatment options will depend on the severity of an individual's symptoms and may include support groups, individual therapy or even medication in some cases.
Birches Health offers virtual counseling with therapists experienced in treating behavioral addictions such as compulsive buying. Birches Health is also in-network with all major insurance companies in an aim to help make treatment affordable and accessible.
To connect with Birches Health, there are multiple options:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
Compulsive Buying Disorder statistics and trends
Compulsive Buying Disorder affects approximately 5.8% of the general population, according to research. Women are also more likely to admit to compulsive buying behaviors versus men, but this does not necessarily mean that women are at a higher risk of developing CBD.
Compulsive Buying Disorder also has high comorbidity rates of mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders and impulse-control disorders. It has also been noted in various research that CBD tends to run in families and could have a genetic component.
