Solution-focused Brief Psychological Intervention in Alteration of Compulsive Buying Behavior in an Individual with Compulsive Buying Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Compulsive buying (CB) presents itself with uncontrollable or excessive urges and preoccupations with behaviors related to spending money that have detrimental consequences. Compulsive buying disorder (CBD) can result in remorse and regret over purchases, guilt, shame, issues with finances, and interpersonal difficulties. Despite the growing understanding of the phenomenology of CBD, only some evidence-based therapies have been developed that cater to the concerns within a limited time frame. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy for CBD. Methods: This study explored compulsive buying behavior (CBB) and evaluated the clinical effectiveness of a single case intervention study of a 21-year-old male with a CBD. The patient was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for Compulsive Buying (Y-BOCS). The data were collected at baseline, treatment termination, and follow-up. The intervention was initiated in October 2022 and continued for two weeks. The intervention was conducted in three phases: psychoeducation, goal setting, solution-building, and relapse prevention. Results: The data analysis showed a decrease in scores on CB between baseline (24), treatment termination (8), and one-year follow-up (4), indicating a significant reduction in the symptoms. Conclusion: The study results suggested the clinical relevance of solution-focused brief therapy for the treatment of CB in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Future studies are needed to develop therapy guidelines for solution-focused brief therapy as a medium of intervention for treating OCD. It is important to establish the effectiveness of a larger sample or case series on a clinically adequate sample size.