Psychiatrists are considering expanding the definition of addiction to include behaviors like compulsive shopping and gaming. The DSM-5 currently recognizes gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction, but researchers argue that other compulsive behaviors may also meet the criteria.
A study of 241 German adults found that compulsive shoppers exhibited higher levels of impulsiveness, anxiety, and depression compared to other shoppers. They also used shopping for emotional gratification, similar to addictive behaviors.
Dr. Nathan Carroll, a psychiatrist, defines addiction by how much it disrupts a person's life, including social, occupational, and educational domains. Mark Griffiths, a behavioral addiction researcher, outlined six criteria for defining addiction, including salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse.
Griffiths argues that while some behaviors may be problematic, they rarely meet all six criteria. He warns against over-pathologizing normal habits, such as gaming or working out.
The DSM-6 may recognize gaming disorder as a full addiction, but experts remain divided on whether other behaviors, like shopping or social media use, should be included. While some see potential benefits in identifying true addictions, others caution that more research is needed to support these classifications.