8 symptoms of nomophobia that identify cell phone addiction

The use of cell phones and other technologies in everyday life is very recurrent, as they are great allies in our routines. However, some people go over the limit and end up becoming dependent on these devices. This is where nomophobia comes from, a term derived from the English expression “no mobile phone phobia” that names the disorder of dependence on these devices.

What is nomophobia?

According to clinical psychologist Adriana Lima (CRP 08/31286), when the use of such technologies is exaggerated and there is no longer any control over the individual’s behavior in relation to them, such use becomes a disorder.

Nomophobia is a generalized anxiety caused by the lack and unavailability of cell phone use and other technological means. Adriana explains that the condition results from a cognitive dysfunction caused by the excessive use of these means, which, when not supplied, causes the individual to experience certain emotional and behavioral imbalances.

“Among other factors, it is possible to say that nomophobia is a combination of negative sensations for not being connected to the world of technology, and that, in many severe cases, the individual starts to have a psychic need to be more and more connected, because this fills him with frustrations and existential voids, being able, at first, to provide him with the sensation of pleasure as a source of relief”, he informs.

Symptoms of Nomophobia

According to the expert, some indications that point to nomophobia include:

• Check cell phone notifications frequently, even during the night;
• Check several times if the cell phone has enough battery and carry extra batteries and/or chargers to ensure that it will always be charged;
• Stop doing activities you like to stay on your cell phone;
• Getting upset when the cell phone is forgotten at home;
• Not being able to put the cell phone aside when performing activities that do not require it;
• Feeling anxious if you don’t use your cell phone for a long time;
• Need to take breaks from study/work to use the cell phone;
• Feeling uncomfortable when you are in an environment with no internet signal.

Also according to the psychologist, people who have this psychological disorder may experience symptoms such as: anguish, shortness of breath, dizziness, tremors, sweating and even panic attacks.

How to treat nomophobia

The psychologist emphasizes that the treatment for nomophobia, once diagnosed, must be accompanied by a health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, in order to analyze the condition of each patient and find the best way to treat it. However, there are certain changes in habits that can also make a difference in controlling addiction, such as:

• Turn off your cell phone before going to bed or turn off app notifications;
• Do not use the cell phone while talking to friends/family in person;
• Put your cell phone aside when eating;
• Avoid using your cell phone for distraction, that is, the ideal is to look for new forms of entertainment.

“It is important to emphasize that, as a professional, the existential void of each individual, by itself, should not be filled by technological means, because the meaning of living cannot be masked by the fact that, when using a technology, it will provide the pleasure given by other experiences, because the excessive use of these means distances the individual from his social life, from the interaction with the other and with himself”, highlights Adriana.

Nomophobia in Brazil

The consultancy Newzoo made a survey that shows that Brazil currently has around 109 million smartphone users, corresponding to more than half of the population. The country occupies the fifth position in the global ranking with the number of users of cell phones. In addition, a Google survey reveals that 73% of Brazilians do not leave home without their cell phones.

The above data demonstrate that technology is already ingrained in people’s lives and how a smartphone has the ability to generate such dependence on them, given that many people cannot disconnect from their devices even for a minute.

In view of this, the situation in which people find themselves, currently, contributes more and more so that nomophobia has the chance to intensify, and can even generate panic attacks, as the psychologist explained. So, it is necessary to be prudent to avoid, as much as possible, that the use of cell phones does not go beyond what is necessary.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.