What is Oniomania
What is Oniomania. Also known as compulsive buying disorder or shopping addiction, is a mental health condition characterised by the overwhelming urge to shop and buy things, even when it is not necessary or affordable. Individuals with oniomania often experience a sense of euphoria or relief when making purchases, but this feeling is often followed by guilt, shame, or anxiety.
Symptoms of Oniomania
The symptoms of oniomania can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:
Compulsive buying: The individual feels compelled to shop or buy items, even when they do not need or cannot afford them.
Difficulty controlling impulses: The individual struggles to resist the urge to buy, despite the negative consequences of their behaviour.
Emotional distress: The individual may experience guilt, shame, anxiety, or depression as a result of their compulsive buying behaviour.
Financial problems: The individual may have trouble paying bills, accruing debt, or experiencing other financial difficulties as a result of their shopping addiction.
Interference with daily life: The individual may find that their shopping addiction interferes with their work, social relationships, or other aspects of daily life.
Causes of Oniomania
The exact cause of oniomania is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Some possible causes of oniomania include:
Genetics: Oniomania may run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
Psychological factors: Oniomania may be linked to underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Environmental triggers: Traumatic events, stress, or social pressures may trigger the onset of oniomania symptoms in some individuals.
Treatment for Oniomania
Treatment for oniomania typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Some common treatments for oniomania include:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with oniomania.
Support groups: Support groups, such as Debtors Anonymous or Shopaholics Anonymous, can provide individuals with a sense of community and support.
Medications: Antidepressants or mood stabilisers may be prescribed to help manage underlying mental health conditions associated with oniomania.
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to one’s lifestyle, such as avoiding shopping triggers or seeking financial counselling, can also be helpful in managing oniomania symptoms.
Conclusion
Oniomania, or compulsive buying disorder, is a mental health condition characterised by the overwhelming urge to shop and buy things, even when it is not necessary or affordable. While the exact cause of oniomania is unknown, effective treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. With the right treatment and support, individuals with oniomania can learn to manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
What is Oniomania. Is a term for the compulsive desire to shop, or rather shopping addiction. Oniomania is the technical term for the compulsive desire to shop, more commonly referred to as compulsive shopping, compulsive buying, shopping addiction or shopaholism. All of these are considered to be either clinical addictions or impulse control disorders, depending on the clinical source.
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