Obsession with money or crematomania: what does it consist of?

Who more and who less has a complicated relationship with the monetary issue. It is true that we need it to live and that we would love to be able to have it more frequently and without less trouble. Now, also There are those who show a clear obsession with moneybordering on the pathological and thus defining a psychological condition called crematomania.

In these cases, we are faced with a profile that moves between constant greed and permanent dissatisfaction. Generally, this type of clinical reality affects people who long for social recognition and high status. As we can well deduce, one way to achieve that summit is by having a large checking account.

Likewise, another fact occurs and that is to begin to value everything that surrounds them from an economic prism. For example, Whoever assumes this vision assumes that everything is for sale, that it is enough to put a figure to achieve anything. This idolatry, which often borders on the megalomaniacal, leads them to create numerous tensions and differences with a good part of their social environment.

Given this image described, the figure of Leonardo Di Caprio in the film may come to mind almost immediately. The wolf of Wall StreetHowever, in the most immediate everyday life there are much more discreet figures that integrate this characteristic. We analyze it.

Crematomania: definition and characteristics

Crematomania is not easy to diagnose or treat. It is not for two basic reasons. Those who suffer from this blind obsession with money are not always aware of their problem and even less take the step to request expert help. Secondly, this type of condition, like most obsessions, is very complex in its therapeutic approach. However, there are therapies for this and in many cases it is possible to achieve success.

It is important to indicate that this reality is part of what is known as monetary disorders. And while it is true that this type of alterations are no longer included in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), there are many mental health professionals who highlight its relevance. Neglecting or not including these altered behaviors in relation to money is making invisible a fact that is seen with high frequency.

Crematomania defines a pathological obsession with money for which the person neglects any other aspect. Their only vital need is to accumulate wealth in any way. The material is above the human, the emotional and, sometimes, even the moral. Something like this defines exhausting and dangerous situations that should be kept more in mind.

Let’s now know what characteristics define this obsession.

They associate money with happiness

It is true, we all need to be financially solvent to be able to live. However, from there to money being the secret to achieving happiness, there are serious nuances to consider.

For this personality, happiness is paid for with a credit card: emotions, pleasure, complicity, laughter… Sooner or later they end up realizing that all those dimensions for which they have paid are false, hollow, empty and cold.

A person’s worth is measured based on their checking account

This is another interesting factor. This profile will seek to relate only to figures of high economic power. For them, people are interesting and worthy of being part of their social circle, only if they have good economic capital. Little by little, all their relationships are degraded by this materialistic vision.

Frustration: the need to achieve social recognition

If there is something that the person with crematomania is looking for, it is to make a name, have recognition, fame, power… In this almost obsessive attempt to position himself in society, he will carry out actions that often border on the grotesque and even unethical.

Crematomania and existential dissatisfaction

Money does not bring happiness and the persistent obsession with accumulating it and getting it even less. This blind obsession leads to situations of high dissatisfaction and existential anguish. It is common, therefore, to lead to anxiety and depression disorders.

The weight of debt, a constant in their lives

Debt is a recurring problem in the lives of people obsessed with money. Bank debts and outstanding accounts with friends and family to whom they have not repaid what they borrowed are another very common reality in these cases.

How is it treated?

The doctor Bradley T. Klontz, a psychologist who is an expert in financial behavior at Creighton University, has several research papers in this regard. Something that remains evident is that So-called financial disorders such as crematomonia are quite common.

Likewise, what is demonstrated is that this condition never comes alone, on average, It is comorbid with gambling disorders, compulsive buying, or hoarding disorder.

In these cases, it is a priority to receive psychological therapy to avoid extreme situations such as family debt, depression and even addictions. Cognitive behavioral therapy has a high success rate in these situations. The most relevant thing without a doubt is to become aware of the problem and request expert help.

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