Year end may prove a trap for compulsive shoppers

“I started shopping obsessively during the pandemic. Early in the social isolation period, I found out about two shopping apps and I just couldn’t stop. It would give me a pleasurable sensation, of compensation for the momentary anxiety. It soon went out of control. My wardrobe was crammed. Some items I haven’t even worn yet,” said 44-year-old journalist Flávia Vargas.

Even though distancing measures were relaxed and businesses resumed operations, she continued using the apps to shop. “Its features can be so appealing I’ve made a habit of checking them everyday, at least to bookmark a few pieces that caught my eye. I didn’t go as far as running into debt, but spending made a big impact on my budget management and cash flow, though I’d always been disciplined with money.”

According to data by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately eight percent of the world population suffers from oniomania—obsessive shopping, also referred to as compulsive consumption and compulsive buying disorder (CBD).

The condition accounts for the circulation of over $4 billion in North America. From 80 to 94 percent of compulsive shoppers are females, whose disorder emerges at around 18 years of age, as per a survey published in the Brazilian Psychiatry Journal.

The social isolation measures made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in the number of cases of this disorder, said psychiatrist Dr. Adiel Rios.

“With closed doors, a number of stores migrated to e-commerce, and those already active in this model had to step up their work in online sales. Also, both Brazilian and international apps can be a major trap to compulsive shoppers: they offer discount coupons, points for each purchase, which are turned into discounts for new orders, among other lures. For people suffering from this disorder, it proved an easier way to shop—often losing control in the process,” said the doctor, who works for the Bipolar Disorder Program of the Institute of Psychiatry, linked to the University of São Paulo (USP) Medical School.

Even after businesses opened, he pointed out, compulsive shoppers continue using the online tools available, as buying has become a matter of grabbing one’s cellphone and checking the app to buy anything at any time and anywhere.

“The only way to bring this vicious cycle to a halt is using them rationally, or not using them at all. If they’re still available on the smartphone, it can be hard curbing compulsive shopping, especially for anxious people, who need to fill a void or satisfy a need,” Dr. Rios argued.

When Flávia realized there was something behind her consumption habits, Flávia sought specialized medical help. Today, she is monitored by a psychiatrist and a psychologist. “I’ve been diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions caused symptoms like anxiety and impulsive behavior. I’ve been doing treatment with antidepressants and lithium, which helps control compulsion, not to mention psychological therapy.”

Year-end shopping

As the holiday season approaches, along with Christmas and year-end bonuses, the psychiatrist states the habit of buying compulsively may aggravate. Furthermore, with businesses expanding their working hours and relaxing restrictions, more buying channels join the picture.

“After compulsive shoppers dive into online shopping during the pandemic, they can hardly break free from this habit, as it becomes a way to vent in times of isolation. Following the reopening of businesses, people are turning back to shopping in person, in addition to shopping on their phones. In other words, no time is lost, because compulsive shoppers have never stopped shopping from the beginning. In a way, the discovery of online shopping during isolation served to boost their compulsion.”

Associated disorders

Relatives of compulsive shoppers show a higher tendency to develop other conditions, such as humor and eating disorders as well as substance abuse. “In addition, there’s a close link between oniomania and compulsive obsessive disorder and bipolar disorder. The combination of these illnesses and distortions about the act of shopping encourages them to experience a feeling of alleged safety through shopping.”

By not shopping for long periods of time, people assailed by this disorder may also suffer from withdrawal, with symptoms similar to those of chemical substance abuse: extreme irascibility, loss of self-esteem, symptoms of depressed humor, anxiety, and mood swings.

Treatment

A number of therapeutic approaches can help people suffering from this condition, Dr. Rios remarked. “Treatments may include anti-anxiety drugs and anti-depressants, psychological therapy, and even consultations with a personal financial specialist. The goal of such treatments is to ascribe a new meaning to the gratification-reward relation, showing there are other ways to deal with suffering and a number of healthier ways to experience well-being and pleasurable living.”

Support groups aimed at indebted people can also be an invaluable tool as they provide people with a chance to share personal experiences.