Laenupakkomuksia

Laenupakkomuksia is a term used in Finnish psychology to describe compulsions related to borrowing money. It refers to persistent, intrusive urges to take out loans or incur new debt, accompanied by distress and impaired functioning, and a difficulty in resisting these urges despite negative consequences.

Etymology: The word combines laenu (loan) and pakkomus (obsession). It has appeared in Finnish clinical discussions as a way to name a specific impulse-control phenomenon, though it remains informal and is not a widely standardized diagnosis.

Relation to formal diagnoses: Laenupakkomuksia is not recognized as an independent disorder in DSM-5 or ICD-11. It is generally discussed as part of impulse-control disorders, compulsive or obsessive-compulsive spectrum phenomena, or as a comorbidity with conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or problematic gambling.

Risk factors and prevalence: Studies are limited; risk is higher among people with easy access to credit, online lending, and high financial stress. Younger age, unstable employment, and low financial literacy are commonly reported risk factors.

Consequences: The behavior can lead to unsustainable debt, damaged credit, collections, bankruptcy, and strained relationships, with adverse mental health effects including guilt, shame, and heightened anxiety.

Diagnosis and treatment: Assessment relies on clinical interview; there are no standardized criteria. Treatments typically include cognitive-behavioral therapy adapted to financial urges, financial counseling, and treatment of co-occurring conditions. Pharmacological approaches are considered only for related OCD or mood disorders.

Policy implications and research: Some scholars call for standardized assessment tools, better data on prevalence, and evaluating the impact of lending regulations and digital marketing on compulsive borrowing.