Between 2 and 8 percent of the U.S. population are compulsive shoppers. Most people suffering from the disorder are women. Just in time for the holiday season, a corporate-funded study says an antidepressant can help compulsive shoppers. They tested 21 patients, who took the drug citalopram, made by Forest Laboratories Inc. under the name Celexa, for three months. It affects between 2 percent and 8 percent of the U.S. population, they said.
Most people suffering from the disorder are women.
They said 80 percent of the patients improved. The drug is sold in 70 countries under several trade names including Celexa, Cipramil and Seropram. Forest Laboratories funded the study. Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved.