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Signal Attenuation as a Rat Model of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
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Published on: January 9, 2015

Compulsive buying.

Michel Lejoyeux1, Aviv Weinstein

  • 1Paris University, Department of Psychiatry, France. michel.lejoyeux@bch.aphp.fr

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|June 22, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Compulsive buying is a behavioral dependence characterized by repetitive purchasing in response to negative emotions. Research is needed to understand its neurobiology, genetics, and effective treatments beyond cognitive behavioral therapy.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Psychiatry
  • Consumer Behavior

Background:

  • Compulsive buying is a chronic, repetitive purchasing behavior.
  • It serves as a primary coping mechanism for negative emotions, akin to addiction with craving and withdrawal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the addictive nature of compulsive buying.
  • To outline associated psychiatric comorbidities.
  • To explore potential treatment avenues.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published studies from 1990-2010.
  • Searches conducted using PubMed and MedLine databases.
  • Keyword used: "compulsive buying".

Main Results:

  • Compulsive buyers focus on the act of purchasing, not the items, which are often unused and hidden.
  • Up to 5% of American adults may experience compulsive buying, leading to financial, legal, and psychological distress.
  • Common comorbidities include depression and eating disorders; cognitive behavioral therapy shows some efficacy, but no medications are proven effective.

Conclusions:

  • Compulsive buying is best understood as a behavioral dependence.
  • Further research is crucial for a comprehensive understanding and improved treatment strategies.