5 signs you're addicted to shopping

'People who say that money can't buy you happiness don't know where to shop'. So says big spender Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. But the concept of shopping being the key to happiness is not so strange to the thousands who are addicted to retail therapy.

Previous studies have shown that between 2% and 10% of adults have some compulsive shopping tendencies, with women nine times more likely to be affected than men. One study found that up to half of all 14 to 18-year-old girls in Scotland, Italy and Spain displayed signs of shopping addiction. Now children as young as 10 are becoming shopping fanatics according to the National Consumer Council.

Britain's top shopaholics include Sir Elton John, who is said to have blown £40m in less than two years. Model Sophie Anderton battled a 10-year addiction to cocaine but said she used retail therapy to help fight her cravings, buying more than 400 pairs of Gina shoes. And our friend Tara P-T sought treatment for addiction after a £20,000 spending spree on designer clothes. But the bug can just as easily bite secretaries as socialites. Here are five ways to tell whether you are addicted to shopping:

1. You get very excited by the prospect of a trip to the shops. We're not just talking about it being a nice treat. If it is more of a necessity that could not get through the week without then you could be hooked. Scientists have found that the euphoria experienced by addicted shoppers is similar to the highs and brain chemistry caused by falling in love. You literally get passionate about the high street.

2. Your mood swings are frequent. You may be animated and over-excited in a shop, even engaging shop assistants in conversation as you pursue purchases. But prepare for the inevitable crash of emotions as the money is spent and the glow fades and you end up gloomy and sullen.

3. You look on social events such as weddings and parties not as a chance for fun but an excuse to shop.

4. Your cupboards are full of new clothes, shoes, jewellery and make-up, either unworn with labels still attached or worn once and never touched again. You don't actually care what you buy so long as you are buying.

5. You're in debt because your income cannot support your habit.

Addicted to shopping? Help could soon be at hand. Expensive habits have reached epidemic levels and shopping addicts may soon be officially recognised as suffering from a distinct psychiatric disorder. Shopaholism is to be given its own entry in the next edition of one of the psychiatric profession's official diagnostic manuals. At present compulsive shopping is bracketed with other 'impulse control' disorders, such as workaholism but official medical recognition of compulsive buying would mean sufferers could eventually seek treatment on the NHS.