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August 13, 2025 6 mins

How to Stop Shopping Addiction Signs, Diagnosis & Real-Life ImpactIs. Is It Just Retail Therapy — or Something Deeper?

Is your shopping habit harmless fun, or could it be compulsive buying disorder (oniomania)?

In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong breaks down the hidden reality of shopping addiction — its diagnosis, stigma, and the very real consequences on daily life.

What you’ll learn in this video:

What truly defines a shopping addictionHow impulse control disorders spiral into debt, anxiety, and relationship issues

Why online shopping has made things worse — and harder to stopThe powerful role of dopamine, targeted ads, and instant gratificationY

you’ll also discover why shopping disorder is not yet officially recognised in the DSM-5 (but partially listed in the ICD-11), and how that gap affects real-world treatment options.

We’ll explore:

Shopping addiction recovery optionsSurprising statistics and behavioral trends

The psychological effects that most people ignoreWhether your own (or a loved one’s) habit has crossed the line

This is essential viewing if you’re struggling with overspending, concerned about a spouse or friend, or curious about how a love for shopping can become a real mental health issue.


Keywords covered: shopping addiction, compulsive shopping, online shopping addiction, oniomania, shopping disorder symptoms, DSM-5, ICD-11, compulsive spending, psychological effects of shopping.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Is Shopping Addiction Real? The Science and the Controversy

00:01:13 Official Recognition: DSM-5 vs ICD-11

00:02:23 Diagnosis Challenges and Debates

00:03:33 Screening Tools and Prevalence Rates

00:04:14 Who is Affected? Gender, Age, and Reporting Differences

00:05:00 The Cycle of Compulsive Shopping: Behaviours and Consequences

00:05:50 The Need for Recognition and Support

Watch now to learn the signs, science, and solutions behind shopping addiction.

#shoppingaddiction #compulsivespending #mentalhealthawareness #crackingaddiction #impulsecontroldisorders

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