Letter C

Compulsive shopping

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An obsession with shopping that significantly interferes with the functioning of the individual.

The signs are a preoccupation with shopping; anxiety when not shopping; a constant need for a shopping 'fix'; shopping to excess that results in debt and family or marital discord; and the frequent purchase of items that go unused.

Although there is debate as to whether compulsive shopping is a mental disorder, there is evidence that use of an antidepressant medication tends to lessen anxiety and decrease or stop compulsive shopping

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