The signs and symptoms of compulsive spending/shopping are very similar to Sexual and Internet Addictions that have been described previously in this guide.

It is universally agreed upon that addictive disorders are characterized by the following: Recurrent failure to control a behavior, increased tension prior to a behavior, and pleasure while experiencing a behavior.

Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Spending/Shopping

• Shopping of spending money as a result of being disappointed, angry or scared.
• Shopping/spending habits causing emotional distress or chaos in one's life.
• Having arguments with others regarding shopping or spending habits.
• Feeling lost without credit cards.
• Buying items on credit that would not be bought with cash.
• Spending money causes a rush of euphoria and anxiety at the same time.
• Spending or shopping feels like a reckless or forbidden act.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, embarrassed or confused after shopping or spending money. Many purchases are never used.
• Lying to others about what was bought or how much money was spent.
• Thinking excessively about money.
• Spending a lot of time juggling accounts and bills to accommodate spending.

(Four or more of the above indicates a problem with shopping or spending)