Seasonal advertisements, ornaments and window displays, and city sidewalks dressed in holiday style-the Spirit of Giving can cause some to get carried away in buying for their Christmas list. For the compulsive shopper, however, the need to buy occurs year-round and can bring disastrous financial and emotional consequences.

"Compulsive buying can lead to financial difficulties and marital and family stress," says Dr, Donald Black, professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and a staff physician at UI Hospitals and Clinics,

Compulsive buying is an overwhelming urge to purchase something for oneself or others. The items are usually small, such as clothing, jewelry, or compact discs. Black says most compulsive shoppers feel a sense of pleasure or importance about their shopping and that it distracts them from their everyday concerns. However, the feeling is usually only temporary,

"In a way, it's like buyer's remorse. The shopper feels guilty, He or she has spent money on something they didn't want or need or that no one had asked for. Sometimes the stuff is given away or it just ends up in the closet, never taken out of the box," Black says. He adds that some compulsive shoppers will often "make deals" with themselves to curb the level of their buying.

The holiday season is particularly difficult for the compulsive shopper. "With Christmas and birthdays, you're likely to see an increase in spending by these people," Black says. "They have an elevated level of buying year-round, but during the holidays it's even higher."

Although the compulsive shopper realizes what they are doing and understands the financial burden they may face, the urge to shop is uncontrollable. "They enjoy it and often fantasize about shopping," Black says. "Once they're in the store, their senses are heightened by the colors and textures, as well as other people in the store."

Researchers are not sure exactly what causes compulsive buying. "It's attracted little attention in psychiatric literature, but it seems that people who are compulsive shoppers also experience other disorders, such as pathologic gambling or impulsive sexual activity," Black says. "It's something that the person has had for an extended period of time, not just an occasional occurrence."

Black says several things can help the compulsive shopper, particularly during the holiday rush, "Shopping with someone is a good idea, for it can reduce impulsive behavior. Also, leaving the credit cards at home and paying for items with cash reduces the financial risks," Black says counseling and support groups may help, as well.

If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of compulsive buying, see your doctor or psychiatrist.