Shopping addiction can lead to psychiatric problems

Experts state that although shopping is a part of daily life, uncontrolled and constant shopping is defined as "shopping addiction."

Harran University Psychiatry Department Head Prof. Dr. Mehmet Asoğlu told an AA reporter that shopping is a natural action people take to meet their needs.

Asoğlu emphasized that excess of any behavior can be harmful, and noted:

"Buying something that is not needed, as if it were necessary, without considering one's economic capacity, then feeling sad and regretful, and then having this situation disrupt one's familial and social functioning, and repeating it, is now an addiction. This needs to be treated. Otherwise, it can eventually lead to various psychiatric illnesses."

Asoğlu explained that various advertisements and social media trigger shopping, and that people may shop for satisfaction even if they don't need it.

Professor Dr. Asoğlu, noting the increasing prevalence of shopping addiction in society, said, "Psycho-education is crucial for raising awareness of shopping addiction. I believe one of the most important factors is not using credit cards."