November 28, 2003
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'SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP': A HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR SOME, AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR OTHERS
GAINESVILLE -- With the arrival of November, Americans head to the stores for the annual frenzy of gift buying. A small percentage of those loading up with consumer goods actually suffer from a year-round problem of compulsive shopping.
"People who realize they have a spending problem often dread the holidays because they know that it's easy to lose control." said Dr. Toby Goldsmith.
People with compulsive buying regularly have a feeling of emptiness, agitation or anxiety that only shopping can relieve.
Treatment for compulsive shopping typically involves anti-depressants or mood stabilizers paired with psychotherapy. Goldsmith frequently refers patients to Debtors Anonymous, a 12-step program.
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