Psychologist Questions Addiction

My wife is a shopaholic. Is it a mental problem?

My wife is constantly thinking of shopping and seems to find extreme enjoyment in only that and not much else. Is it a problem psychologically?

8 Answers

PsychologistAddiction
Shopping excessively can be an addiction used to compensate for masked depression. It's a form of obsessive/compulsive behavior needing to be modified. Before it causes havoc in a relationship, financial problems, etc. It's a form of overcompensating as a means of avoiding or refusing to address subconscious issues.
The term shopaholic suggests she consistently turns to shopping for a temporary escape from stressful, sad, or mundane aspects of life and while shopping, she experiences a significant elevation in her mood. Consequences can include overspending and avoidance of addressing underlying feelings, thoughts, or situations contributing to her preoccupation with shopping. She could benefit from exploring this possibility with a mental health professional who can help her learn alternative constructive ways to cope.
Yes it is a problem both psychologically, and likely financially. There is no official diagnosis for shopaholicism, and there may be differing underlying causes. First, it could be part of a manic or hypomanic episode, so this should be ruled out. Does she exhibit excesses in other areas, e.g., travel, pressured speech, elated mood? Alternatively, the behavior might fall into the obsessive-compulsive (OCD) anxiety disorder. Finally, if her only enjoyment is shopping, she is likely experiencing symptoms of depression. I highly recommend that you and your wife have a consultation with a marital or couples' therapist. Your wife may also benefit from medication, and I would raise this with the therapist, if he/she is a nonmedical practitioner, e.g., a psychologist or social worker.
Dear Sir:
 
Sorry to hear that your wife suffers from this addiction. Constantly thinking about what she wants to buy and getting enjoyment only from that may be due to not feeling fulfilled and having a feeling of emptiness that she would like to fill with things that she wants to buy. So, it is an emotional issue. She needs to explore where those feelings are coming from and heal self and embrace joy and happiness from within her. She could explore the issue with a therapist, a religious/spiritual guide, or a group for shopaholics. She may also benefit from books like "The Art of Happiness" by His Holiness the 14 Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard Cutler, "Conversations with God" by Neal Donald Waslh, "Healing the Child Within" by Charles L. Whitfield, "The Seat of the Soul" by Gary Zukav, to name a few.
 
Thanks for your concern. Take care,
 
Dr. Sonpal
Is it a valid hobby, or is she breaking the bank? She might be a great professional shopper or buyer. She might be ignoring her child(ren) which would be serious and require family therapy. If she is ignoring you, pay attention to her. Take her to dinner and a movie. Date her. Court her. If she is breaking the bank, it's a problem. She knows it. She is filling up a hole from her childhood. She may have seen a lot of privilege and beautiful things that others had or been parented by lots of shiny things to assuage guilt for not being available. She feels deprived inside and enjoys getting things. Ask her if there is an end. Sometimes a person is just catching up and getting everything that is needed. If there is no end, ask her if she would go to a shopaholic's version of AA. Therapy might be a good idea. Find a specialist in addictions. Create a reasonable allowance and take the cards away.
Yes. You should talk with a psychologist and get her and possibly yourself into therapy.
This is well documented. Psychology Today has a good article about it. It could be a mental health issue - have your wife see a therapist. Often, excessive shopping can be an OCD issue or impulse issue that evolves from anxiety, depressed feelings, or self-esteem difficulties. Do not let it get worse - seek help to counter it. This type of addictive problem can obviously cause financial issues as well.
Actually, it definitely could be. It's not a large problem, except for your bank account. People, especially women with emotional issues, tend to either shop a lot or stay home and shop, or do things to occupy their insecurities.