Following the ICD-10 Diagnostic guidelines [1], a definite diagnosis of carbon dependence should usually be made only if three or more of the following have been present together at some time during the previous year:
e.g. compulsive upgrading of mobile phone or other functioning electronic goods; overwhelming desire for overseas weekend-break.
e.g. failed attempts to cycle to work; inability to use up contents of veg box in preference to buying new food.
e.g. experience of anxiety on public holidays without ready access to shops; disproportionate rage at rises in fuel price.
e.g. diminished duration and intensity of euphoria experienced on making a purchase; ever increasing distance travelled to reach same number of destinations:
Sustrans graph - data from National Travel Survey
e.g. working longer hours to augment income at the expense of leisure and family time; progressive atrophy of skills and interests outside shopping and television-watching.
It is important to check that your patient is aware of the harmful effects of global warming and the relationship to their own carbon habit.