PUNE: Not just the millennials but also older people have been a host to psychological disorders like ‘Nomophobia’ and ‘Phantom ring’ indicating their addiction to digital devices.
Also, many parents use digital distraction for their younger ones who are more vulnerable to the virtual world.
Speaking about psychological disorders, Niloufer Ebrahim, Head of Department (HoD) at Jehangir Wellness Centre and a consultant psychologist said that smartphone addiction, gaming, connectivity deprivation, obsessive need to check partner’s mobile are the most common digital disorders among the patients who visited her.
“People are becoming dependent on their smartphones for contact and information, and need social media platforms for self projection. They can’t wait for responses, feel compelled to respond immediately and use smartphones to micromanage situations. Banking, shopping, booking tickets, making online payments have made the smartphone indispensable and the sheer convenience factor is huge. But it is now impeding all aspects of daily life,” said Ebrahim.
She said it is not unusual to have people online at times when they should be eating, sleeping, playing with children, studying or working.
“At this point the smartphone ceases to be an aid for comfortable living and instead becomes a serious impediment to health, successful relationships and productive lives. This is where digital dependence becomes a disorder and addiction,” said Ebrahim.
All age groups affected
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Bhushan Mhetre, psychiatrist from the city, said patients regularly visit him for psychological disorders due to excessive use of technology.
“The number of patients has increased drastically. Many are addicted to social media usage. They fear they may miss out on information and hence are hooked to the device. Patients are sleep deprived and spend less time with family,” said Dr Mhetre.
He said the patients’ age ranges from 15 years to 40 years. “Online addiction hampers the social interaction of a person including adults,” said Dr Mhetre.
Various conditions
There are conditions like Nomophobia, which means the fear one has of being without a cell phone for any length of time. One may need to leave one’s phone in custody while attending a certain type of event or one may have forgotten it at home.
“Nomophobic people suffer anxiety and stress, being parted from their phones. Poor or no signals or no battery can cause stress even if no urgent calls are to expected. While not yet a part of the mental health classifications under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) and the issue is still under debate as to whether this condition was a phobia or disorder, I would call it a lifestyle disorder with psychosomatic effects that include panic, fear, stress, anxiety, breathlessness and rise in blood pressure,” said Ebrahim.
Another condition is Phantom Ring or vibration, when the person imagines their phone is ringing or vibrating even if it is not and will want to check it immediately.
Ebrahim said, “Patients come from all ages but most common is millennials and youngsters in 30’s. I also see parents use phone deprivation as a punishment tool, which tells us a lot about their poor parenting skills and the child’s dependence on cell phones and digital devices like hand-held tablets.”
Moreover, many cases have been reported in India where a person has lost his life while taking a selfie at a dangerous place.
Need for more awareness
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Manjeet Santre, HOD, Psychiatry Department of YCM Hospital said these cases are increasing in the society.
“There is a need to generate awareness regarding the disorders caused due to overuse of devices like smartphones. Many patients are unaware that that these devices can cause physical and psychological disorders. There should be more dialogue about this and patients should seek help from professionals,” said Dr Santre.