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CNS Drugs
Published in: CNS Drugs 1/2001

01-01-2001 | Therapy in Practice

Compulsive Buying Disorder

Definition, Assessment, Epidemiology and Clinical Management

Author: Donald W. Black

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 1/2001

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Abstract

Compulsive buying disorder is characterised by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviours regarding shopping and spending, which lead to adverse consequences.
Compulsive buying disorder has been estimated to affect from 2 to 8% of the general adult population in the US; 80 to 95% of those affected are female. Onset occurs in the late teens or early twenties, and the disorder is generally chronic. Psychiatric comorbidity is frequent, particularly mood, anxiety, substance use, eating and personality disorders.
Treatment has not been well delineated, but individual and group psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy and 12-step programmes may be helpful. Debt consolidation and credit counselling will be appropriate for many individuals who have compulsive buying disorder. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake inhibitors may help some patients regulate their buying impulses. Self-help books are also available.
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Metadata
Title
Compulsive Buying Disorder
Definition, Assessment, Epidemiology and Clinical Management
Author
Donald W. Black
Publication date
01-01-2001
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
CNS Drugs / Issue 1/2001
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200115010-00003

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