When binge-shopping becomes a cry for help

Addiction expert explains how debilitating the dependence on shopping can be

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Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder (CBD), isn't often talked about, but the buying behaviour can have devastating emotional, financial and social consequences.

We've all gotten carried away adding too much stuff to our online shopping basket once in a while, or have chucked a few extra items in the trolley, telling ourselves we deserve a treat. But shopping, when it gets out of control, can become a devastating problem affecting much more than our bank balance.

Dr Catherine Carney, psychiatrist and addiction expert at rehab clinic Delamere, calls shopping addiction a "process or behavioural" addiction. "So it's not substance related, but it's a form of addiction that involves compulsive engagement in behaviours, even when it's causing harm in your life. It is repeated actions or habits that, for some reason, for different people, give a psychological reward," she explains.