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Positive feelings we get during a shopping session has led to the popularisation of the term ‘retail therapy’, where people make purchases based on their emotional impulses rather than rational thinking.

But when does the rush of pleasure at the point of purchase turn into a more serious compulsion? In the age of online shopping, addiction experts say there’s a need for a greater understanding and recognition of just how damaging a condition like shopping addiction can be, and the trickle-down impact it can have on relationships, work, finances and emotions.

Also known as ‘oniomania’, compulsive buying is a difficult addiction to spot, because we live in a society that encourages us to consume and chase after the next must-have purchase.

Pamela Roberts, an addiction programme manager at Priory Hospital group (priorygroup. com), said: “People with oniomania feel completely ruled