In the realm of psychiatric services, a frequent scenario unfolds when a parent presents their offspring at the outpatient department, citing concerns about excessive mobile device usage. While counseling and parental guidance often suffice for resolution, certain cases necessitate more extensive intervention. Dr. Bhagyashree Kulkarni, the Head of Forensic Psychology at the Institute of Forensic Psychology, notes, “Nomophobia frequently induces heightened anxiety in individuals, disrupting sleep patterns and perturbing the body’s circadian rhythm essential for maintaining equilibrium in daily activities. It induces a sense of depersonalization, where real-life connections and emotions yield to the dominance of digital interactions.”
Within the confines of this composition, we delve into the intricacies of Nomophobia, a psychological disorder encompassing its origins, manifestations, and avenues for treatment.
Deciphering Nomophobia:
Dr. Meenakshi Jain, an Assistant Professor in the Psychiatry Department at Amrita Hospital Faridabad, elucidates, “Nomophobia, or NO MObile PHOBIA, constitutes a cluster of physical and mental symptoms manifesting in individuals with a reliance on mobile devices, stemming from the fear of breakage or loss. Additionally, patients may harbor apprehensions about being without mobile service or encountering a depleted battery. This fear becomes intrusive, inducing anxiety in afflicted individuals even during brief periods of unavailability of their mobile devices. The mere contemplation or suggestion of powering off the mobile device becomes an overwhelming and unbearable prospect.”
Manifestations of Nomophobia:
Dr. Meenakshi Jain expounds on the nomophobia symptoms, which mimic anxiety disorders, encompassing breathing difficulties, trembling, disorientation, perspiration, agitation, heightened heart rate, and a sense of loss in the device’s absence.
Dr. Bhagyashree Kulkarni adds, “Nomophobia sufferers encounter challenges in decision-making and goal attainment. Engulfed in a cycle of dependency due to a constant influx of information and notifications, they struggle as deadlines incessantly loom, impeding their ability to make rational choices and clear decisions.”
Dr. Meenakshi Jain characterizes Nomophobia as a battle, stating, “Many nomophobics find themselves contending not only with nomophobia but also grappling with other afflictions such as social anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and addiction. There’s a hypothesis that nomophobia disproportionately affects individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders or cell phone addiction compared to the general population. Some assert that nomophobia can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions.”
Roots of Nomophobia:
Dr. Meenakshi Jain asserts, “Nomophobia exhibits various predisposing factors. The most prevalent among these include low self-esteem and image-related concerns. Individuals with low self-esteem often display addictive behaviors. High neuroticism and a propensity to seek validation and approval externally lure adolescents into the virtual realm of digital media. Those feeling inadequate and struggling to connect in the real world find solace in social media, perpetuating the cycle. Individuals lacking effective coping mechanisms tend to resort to excessive digital media use as an escape from reality when faced with real-world setbacks. Cumulatively, these features over time lead to excessive mobile device use and ensuing anxiety in its absence.”
Managing Nomophobia:
Dr. Sairaj M. Patki, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at FLAME University, Pune, suggests, “Addressing this issue involves redirecting individuals towards engaging yet healthy and adaptive activities, such as competitive group activities, sports, and hobbies. These alternative pursuits ensure the experience of positive emotions while maintaining physical engagement, thereby reducing dependence on mobile devices and enriching an individual’s repertoire of productive activities.”
“The excessive stimulation provided, particularly by contemporary social media platforms, games, and apps on mobile devices, reinforces usage due to immediate gratification. Substituting this gratification with more meaningful activities constitutes the key to diminishing nomophobia. Additionally, relaxation and meditation offer superior and enduring control over the physiological and psychological aspects of anxiety resulting from the condition. Ultimately, cultivating mindful mobile device usage, timely identification of excessive and inappropriate use, and exercising self-control over further usage stand as the ultimate objectives of any intervention targeting nomophobia.”