[A case of compulsive buying--impulse control disorder or dependence disorder?].
OBJECTIVE
It is unclear what disease entity causes compulsive buying. In ICD-10 and DSM-IV, compulsive buying is classified as "Impulse control disorder--not otherwise classified". Some publications interpret compulsive buying rather as a dependence disorder.


METHODS
We present the case of a male patient with compulsive buying syndrome. We discuss the close relationship to dependence disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
The patient showed symptoms which would normally be associated with a dependence disorder. On the basis of a wider understanding of the dependency concept, as it is currently being discussed, we believe that the patient has shown a typical buying behavior that has presumably activated a reward loop similar to that of a substance dependency.
Croissant
Bernhard
B
Kliniken Landkreis Sigmaringen GmbH, Abteilung für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Lehrkrankenhaus Universität Tübingen. b.croissant@klksig.de
Klein
Oliver
O
Löber
Sabine
S
Mann
Karl
K
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010343:Patient Admission; D012201:Reward; D020280:Sertraline / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D020280:Sertraline