Is your ‘retail therapy’ going overboard?

MANILA, Philippines - When the Christmas bonus comes, can the season of shopping be far behind? Surely, with the holiday rush, we can easily get caught up in a buying spree that leaves us with things we don’t really need.

When is too much too much? When does retail therapy become an unhealthy habit, a mental disorder even? Makati Medical Center’s Department of Neurosciences, Section of Psychiatry lets us into the world of Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD) and invites us to examine if we may be suffering from it.

According to Dr. Edgardo Juan Tolentino, head of MakatiMed Section of Psychiatry, the cause of CBD is unknown, though speculation traces it to developmental, neurobiological, and cultural influences. Psychological explanations claim that CBD stems from an emotional need. It usually arises as a means to fill an emotional void, like loneliness, lack of self-control or self-confidence. Dr. Tolentino adds, “Shopping is mainly used to avoid or alleviate negative feelings and prolong positive ones, albeit temporarily. Those who suffer from CBD are aptly called ‘shopaholics’ and may also experience mood disorders, eating orders, and substance abuse problems.”

In a world that continues to revolve around consumerism, it becomes increasingly difficult to curb shopping impulses. Before you make your next trip to the mall, it might be helpful to check if you have CBD. Dr. Tolentino suggests some questions you can ask yourself:

• Is my urge to shop set off by an emotional trigger? Most people who suffer from CBD pursue their habit when they feel angry or frustrated, which may be caused by both internal and external factors. Dr. Tolentino points out, “This is the same logic that applies during times when you binge on comfort food after a stressful day. If you consider shopping as the solution to help you get over an emotionally-trying moment, then you’re likely to have CBD.”

• Do I feel a rush of excitement when I buy? “The act of purchase releases dopamine inside the brain, causing CBD patients to feel euphoria or a ‘high’ every time they buy,” shares Dr. Tolentino.

The adrenaline rush sparks a temporary burst of happiness, which can become addictive, which only aggravates the disorder.

• Do I feel guilty with my purchases? After experiencing the rush brought by a new purchase, those who suffer from CBD suddenly have feelings of remorse. “This is most likely because persons with CBD spend money at the expense of their jobs or loved ones, that some even go as far as hiding their purchases or lying about their shopping habits and recent shopping finds,” says Dr. Tolentino.

• Do I feel anxious when I don’t shop? We can be “addicted” to certain things in a healthy way, but if you’re feeling “out of sorts” just because you haven’t made a purchase, it may mean that there is something wrong. If you feel you’re about to burst or you can’t stop fidgeting until you make that trip to the mall, then you are definitely a candidate for CBD.

There are several ways to ease your temptation to shop and spend. First, says Dr. Tolentino, identify possible triggers to help you get to the root of the problem. He continues, “It will also help to limit your trips to the mall and to only carry enough cash so you aren’t tempted to spend more than what’s necessary. Engaging in a new hobby may also help take your mind off shopping, so know your passion and find time to pursue it.”

If, despite these self-help techniques, you still find yourself compulsively buying items you don’t need, then it’s best to seek professional help. MakatiMed’s Section of Psychiatry offers services to lead you towards a mindful lifestyle free from the guilt and the consequences of compulsive buying.

For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at 888-8999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.