Gain (AP) – at the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, a special treatment for people with compulsive buying is offered for the first time in Germany. In a pilot project with about 60 voluntary participants should be explored by next year on, whether sustained to help those affected with a behavioral therapy, the Director said the psychosomatic day hospital in Erlangen, Astrid Müller, in a CNN interview. According to studies, about six percent of the population are strong in the old Laender at purchase risk, in the new Laender two percent. «The problem goes by all social classes and age groups», the psychologist said. This significantly more women than men are affected. The choice of the consumer is different: while women especially with clothing, shoes, cosmetics, food and appliances ENU, favored men rather modern technology goods, sports equipment, car accessories and antiques. «People buy one, to compensate for moods», said Müller. While they managed to often goods that either not at all, they need or already have. «There are things bought, which afterwards not even unpacked», described the expert. Some continue verschenkten their purchases or hoarding it. Many do not admit a but her compulsive buying behavior, so that this can cause difficulties not only social, but also significant financial problems. «Ranging to bankruptcy», Müller described. The psychologist cited uncertainty and lack of self-esteem as the main motivations for pathological buy. There is however no stereotype of “Shopaholic”. “The range of purchase addiction is widely scattered,” explained the psychologist in the CNN interview. «Some enjoy the contact itself with the sales staff during their purchase action, because they experience this care and attention.» Others were their hand owned beautiful goods, for which they are envied by sheer or out of the gratitude of their fellow men, when they give them. Now, early next year will be investigated to what extent to help stakeholders in an outpatient group therapy. «So far something in Germany is not available», said Müller. The treatment in the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and psychotherapy is to three months. During this time, voluntary participants are meeting together once a week. After half a year should be controlled, whether people are healed after completion of therapy.