Compulsive Shopping and Bulimia: What is the Connection?

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Commonalities Exist Between Bulimia and Compulsive Shopping

Many commonalities often exist between addictive type behaviors, and this is perhaps seen more clearly between compulsive shopping and bulimia nervosa. Individuals who struggle with bulimia nervosa often exhibit behaviors that are characteristic of this eating disorder, including reoccurring episodes of binging and purging.

While severity of this disease is often dependent on the frequency of these episodes as well as choice of purging method, a person with bulimia will commonly binge on abnormally large quantities of food, followed by an attempt to purge or compensate for the food that was eaten.

Compulsive shopping on the other hand, or compulsive buying disorder, is characterized by an obsession with shopping/buying behaviors. Many individuals who are dealing with this disorder will often impulsively buy several kinds of products that they may never use or wear. It is often the experience or “high” that comes with purchasing that becomes addicting, and many shopping addicts will continue on in a cycle of shopping and buying, even in the face of adverse consequences.

Similar Factors Influence Bulimia and Compulsive Shopping

There are many similar factors that may influence the repetitive behaviors that are seen with both bulimia and compulsive shopping. A person who is genetically influenced towards compulsive behaviors or who may have abnormal levels of neurotransmitters may be more susceptible to developing these disorders, in which “highs” and “rushes” are sought after.

Other connected factors can also influence the development of these disorders, including the experience of trauma – whether physical, emotional, or psychological, as well as sociological and cultural forces.

Behaviors developed in bulimia or with compulsively shopping can be an attempt to compensate for something in one’s life, whether self-discrepancy, poor mood or self-image, the experience of trauma, shame, guilt and more. The high that might be experienced with a shopping purchase or a binge may temporarily improve one’s current state, but the effect rapidly wears off.

Seeking out professional treatment is the most effective method for managing the complex behaviors and symptoms associated with compulsive shopping and bulimia nervosa. Addressing these disorders simultaneously is also important in treatment, particularly if these disorders are co-occurring.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

If you have struggled with compulsive shopping and bulimia, what forms of treatment or resources were helpful to you in overcoming these disorders?

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Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 14, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com