https://pixabay.com/photos/mobile-phone-smartphone-keyboard-1917737/
by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
You might not know that smartphone addiction (SMA) is very common. In fact, around 6.3% of the population are mobile phone addicts, according to new research. 3.8 billion people own a mobile phone around the globe. And our phone usage has also dramatically increased. We are sending 427% more messages than we were 10 years ago!
SMA is an addiction – like any other addiction
Now don’t get confused. SMA is different from normal mobile phone use. We are talking about addiction – just like drug or alcohol addiction. When you think about it, addicts need a quick fix, they get withdrawal symptoms, and suffer from cravings. Drug and alcohol addiction affects your personality, your mental and physical health, your work and your relationships. Well, the truth is – SMA is no different. The symptoms and signs are very much the same.
Dangers of SMA addiction
SMA addiction can cause any of the following. It could be affecting your health more than you realise.
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Impaired creativity
- Psychological disorders – PTSD, mania, and personality disorders
- Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
- Eating disorders
- Relationship difficulties
- Loneliness
- Feelings of insecurity
- Poor performance
SMA affects brain function
Recent new research has shown those with the highest mobile phone use do have structural changes in the brain tissue. Detailed MRI scans have documented a reduced volume of grey matter in some areas of the brain, as well as raised levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Excessive mobile phone use has also been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young people. Rates of suicide are highest in young people who tend to be high users of smartphones.
How to know if you have SMA
Are you using the phone secretively, or lying about it? Are people commenting on our excessive use of the phone? Are you constantly checking profiles and being unable to put the phone down? Do you get angry when criticized about your phone use? Have you had any accidents or injuries while using the phone? Do you get up at night to check your phone.?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, you could be a smartphone addict.
Take a look at the quiz on Pyscom.net – Are you addicted to your mobile phone?
What to do next if you have SMA
Think hard about the situation. Has your mobile phone use gotten out of hand? Is it negatively affecting your work, home life, relationships, mental and physical health? How much better would life be if you could get this under control?
Everyone needs to take steps to limit their mobile phone use. But once SMA has set in this is a serious problem. CBT, group therapy or psychotherapy are recognised treatments. Take a look at Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Don’t suffer in silence – it’s time to seek help.
- What steps could you take to modify your smartphone use and improve your quality of life?
- Is it time you sought help for your SMA?
For more information
