Compulsive buying disorder: Conceptualization based on addictive, impulsive, and obsessive-compulsive features and comorbidity

Abstract

Background This study sought to examine the conceptualization of compulsive buying disorder in a sample of adults drawn from the community and its associated mental health correlates. Methods An online survey of “Personality, Mental Health, and Well-Being” was distributed to 300 adults aged 18–75 years. The survey measured a range of behaviors , such as buying behavior, alcohol and drug use, impulse control disorders , and dimensional constructs of impulsivity and obsessive-compulsiveness. Results A total of 294 participants (54.7% female) completed the survey and were included in the analysis. The overall frequency of probable compulsive buying disorder was 5.4% (n = 16). Compared to adults without compulsive buying disorder, those with probable compulsive buying disorder were significantly less likely to identify as heterosexual and were significantly more likely to endorse attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug use problems, symptoms of borderline personality disorder, binge eating disorder , and had higher levels of compulsivity plus impulsivity. Conclusion Compulsive buying disorder appears to be fairly common in adults and appears to have symptom or diagnostic overlap with obsessive-compulsive problems, addictive disorders , and impulse control disorders . Findings highlight the need for careful clinical screening to identify often overlooked comorbidities and treat them on an individual patient basis, as well as the need to conduct high-quality clinical trials for compulsive buying disorder itself and to explore its presentation longitudinally at large scale.

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