Toward non-confirmatory research approaches and epistemic rigor: A critical commentary on the concept of “nose spray addiction” proposed in Lakatos et al. (2025)

In their recent study, Lakatos et al. (2025) used a qualitative research design to explore the impact of nasal spray overuse on quality of life, as well as its potential addictive character. From their results, the authors suggested considering nasal spray overuse as a potential behavioral addiction and called for further research and intervention strategies to address such potential addictive behavior. By contrast, in the present commentary, we outline why the methodological approach and potentially flawed reasoning adopted in Lakatos et al. (2025) raise sufficient concerns to warrant caution in drawing such recommendations.