Buying a sickness?

An article in the 'Frankfurter Allgemeine' a German newspaper, was concerned with the effect a new sickness was having on Germans, as it stated nearly four million Germans already seem to suffer under this sickness. The sickness is called 'Kaufzwang' which means 'Purchase compulsion' this is a loose translation. It is a psychological disorder which is internationally classified as ICD 10. Experts debate whether it is a disorder or a sickness, yet they are are certain that it is a problem that has to be addressed. People that suffer under 'Kaufzwang' feel the irresistible urge to purchase something, apparently the purchase of things makes them happy for a certain time-frame. Advertisement which is provided in form of a constant bombardment can certainly be seen as one of the possible causes causing this problem. If some is hit by such a 'Kaufzwang' attack they often buy things that they do not need and often also purchase an absurd amount of products.

Kaufen zwischen Lust und Krankheit (German)

Here is the link to a self-help group webstite for people that suffer under 'Kaufsucht' (Purchase-addiction). (Yes, it is in German...)
Kaufsucht Selbsthilfe

An interesting note at this point I did search for a website that would be in English and related to this issue since I have observed similar behavior in Canada. Yet, I was only able to find therapy groups and/or books for other addictions and they all were offered for...yes purchase...