Whether it is making payments at the ration shop or checking emails and messages, it would not be wrong to say that we all remain in the 'grip' of mobile phones throughout the day. But what if our dependence on mobile phones becomes the cause of some serious health problem? Is your habit of checking the phone repeatedly abnormal?

This question becomes important because the number of patients visiting psychiatrists who are found to be victims of strange delusions regarding mobile phones is increasing. Doctors say, many young people are coming with such a problem that they often feel that their phone is ringing or vibrating, although when they look at the phone, it is found that in reality there is neither any notification nor any call.

This problem of hearing ringtones in the ears even when the phone is not ringing can also cause mental health problems like anxiety and stress.

Hearing ringtones even when the phone is ringing

To understand the reason behind hearing ringtones even when the phone is not ringing, we spoke to Bhopal-based senior psychiatrist Dr Satyakant Trivedi. Dr Satyakant says the number of patients suffering from various disorders related to mobile phones is increasing in hospitals. Its maximum victims are seen to be young people in the age group of 20-30, in some cases, people up to the age of 40 can also be its victims.

Experiencing things that do not exist in reality, such as hearing ringtones without the phone ringing or experiencing vibrations repeatedly, is known as the problem of Phantom Vibration Syndrome (PVS) in the language of psychiatry.

What is Phantom Vibration Syndrome?

Professor Dr. Michel Drouin at Indiana University, Fort Wayne, conducted a study to understand this mental health problem. According to the report, 89 percent of the graduate students involved in the study experienced such virtual things on average every two weeks. However, about one in 11 of them was found to be seriously bothersome.

Those who were more dependent on text messaging (WhatsApp, Instagram, or other messaging platforms) were seen to be more troubled by them. Such people were often found to check the phone, even if no message came.

What do psychiatrists say?

Dr Satyakant explains that phantom vibration syndrome is an emerging disorder due to excessive use of mobile phones. People feel that their cell phones are vibrating or ringing, but in reality, it does not happen. This is a condition related to psychological or neurological changes. The problem of PVS can also lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional disorders. If phantom vibration syndrome is not treated properly, people may have burnout syndrome.

Brain related problem
Health experts say that the problem of PVS has been seen more in people who spend a lot of time on the phone. In some cases, this problem can also occur due to problems in the cerebral cortex and difficulties in recognizing human signals. The cerebral cortex is responsible for high-level processes of the human brain, including language, memory, logic, thought, learning, decision-making, emotion, intelligence, and personality.

Apart from this, people suffering from 'attachment anxiety', which is a psychological condition in which the feeling of fear, anxiety, or insecurity increases in interpersonal relationships, can also have problems with phantom vibration syndrome.

How to avoid this disorder?

Dr Satyakant Trivedi says the problem of phantom vibration syndrome can happen to anyone, to avoid it, it is important to limit your dependence on the phone. Make a habit of spending less time on digital devices. To divert attention from phone notifications, put more emphasis on real life and interacting with people.

The increasing use of mobile phones is increasing the risks of many types of disorders. Having a habit of playing sports, exercising, keeping a distance from virtual people, and having a good relationship with real people can help you in avoiding these disorders.

(PC: ISTOCK)