A study by psychiatrists at the Erlangen University, in collaboration with researchers from the University of North Dakota, linked shopping addiction to an intense craving for attention.

One in 10 consumers from wealthy western nations have varying degrees of shopping addiction, according to Martina de Zwaan, head of the Erlangen University's Department of Psychotherapy.

The four-year study of 51 women and nine men between the ages 20 to 61 showed that shopaholics tended to have low self-esteem, drinking, eating and other impulsive-consumption problems. Shopping helps them feel better in the short term, until its effects hit them later.

The malady is more common among women, who often purchase clothes, shoes, jewelry, food and household items. Male shoppers normally binge shop on car or sporting tools, power equipment and household items which are often unused.

To address the problem, the researchers suggested improving the psychological self-esteem of the shopping addict. The study discovered that shopaholics get a self-esteem boost through interaction with store clerks.

The university, which has a reputation for its research in various fields of sciences, is set to start shopping addiction therapy sessions this fall at its campus hospital.