Online shopping addiction is an illness

The Internet has brought us the convenience of shopping at home. However, for many, the appeal of shopping for bargains and treats can turn    1    an addiction. Experts believe there is a danger that online shopping can develop into a mental illness.    2     (research) from the Hannover, Medical School in Germany have termed it “Buying Shopping Disorder” (BSD). They say this condition should    3    (recognize) by the medical profession as an illness and should not    4    (simple) be classed as one of the various “impulse control” disorders. Dr. Astrid Miller said, “It really is time    5    (accumulate) further knowledge about BSD on the Internet.”

Dr. Miller and her colleagues    6    (conduct) research on data from earlier studies on compulsive shopping. Their research focused on 122 patients     7    sought treatment for BSD. Dr. Miller reported that about five percent of the population may be suffering from BSD. She added younger people are    8    (likely) to develop it and that they experience greater levels of anxiety and depression. People     9    BSD readily exhibit negative behaviors. These include buying expensive things they don’t need, keeping and never    10    (use ) things they order, buying things for instant satisfaction, and ending up in debt. BSD can destroy marriages, relationships and mental health.