title: Impulsive behavior in a consumer culture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Compulsive shopping behaviour has recently received long overdue attention as a clinical issue. Curiosity about this condition has led to questions about its identification, characterization as a disorder, and treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article presents two case vignettes illustrating diagnostic criteria and points that distinguish this disorder from OCD hoarding or mania. These issues are discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors present some suggested treatment approaches
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Greater awareness of the prevalence and social consequences of compulsive shopping behaviour highlights the need for treatment and for educational resources for clinicians and the general public. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2002; 6: 65-68).
authors.forename: Heidi J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Hartston
authors.forename: Lorrin M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Koran
keywords: Compulsive; Compulsive Shopping; Impulse Control Disorders; Impulsive; Pathological Buying