Another myth has been smashed after a survey conducted by researchers at Stanford University revealed that even men suffer from compulsive shopping. The study is published in the latest edition of American Journal of Psychiatry.
The study also revealed that people from lower income group suffer more from compulsive shopping rather than people from higher income group. Compulsive shoppers are addicted to shopping and noise and buzz of shopping gives them a "high". Over 2,500 people were surveyed in the study and researchers found out that over 5.5 percent of men were compulsive buyers, compared to 6 percent of women.
This phenomenon is more relevant among younger people and most men buy things such as CDs, books, tools, gadgets, computer stuff and cameras. The study also said that men were more likely to be addicted to auctions than female compulsive shoppers.
Researchers warned that compulsive buying is as widespread as mental disorders and should be treated as a mental malady. Lorrin Koran, MD, emeritus professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and the senior author of the study said, "Compulsive buying leads to serious psychological, financial and family problems including depression, overwhelming debt and the breakup of relationships".
In the study, the authors wrote, "It is common for sufferers to go on frequent shopping binges and to accumulate large quantities of unnecessary, unwanted items. Sufferers often rack up thousands of dollars in debt and lie to their loved ones about their purchases.” Compulsive shopping is a recognized disorder that can sometimes lead to depression and suicidal behavior.
