Problematic Online Buying-Shopping: Is it Time to Considering the Concept of an Online Subtype of Compulsive Buying-Shopping Disorder or a Specific Internet-Use Disorder?

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Problematic online buying-shopping became a recent research topic, and the question arises as to whether it would be useful to differentiate between a “predominantly online” and a “predominantly offline” compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) subtype by analogy with gaming disorder and gambling disorder in the ICD-11. This narrative review aims at reflecting the discussions on overlaps of problematic online buying-shopping with both offline CBSD and specific internet-use disorders. Recent Findings Preliminary data suggest that problematic online buying-shopping shares many commonalities with both offline CBSD and potential specific internet-use disorders (e.g., gaming disorder, pornography-use disorder, or social-network–use disorder). However, there is a lack of research addressing the etiology, underlying affective and cognitive mechanisms, psychosocial correlates, comorbidity profiles, and treatment of problematic online buying-shopping. Summary The question of whether online CBSD can develop independently from offline CBSD or only as medial transformation of offline CBSD still remains unanswered due to limited research on problematic online buying-shopping. Both perspectives are conceivable: that online CBSD represents a standalone specific internet-use disorder or the online subtype of CBSD. Future studies should examine which approach has clinical utility and indicates specific treatment options and better outcomes.

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