Nomophobia, or “NO MObile PHone PhoBIA” is a psychological cluster of symptoms in which a person experiences fear or anxiety about not having connectivity with their mobile phone.
While some people may not like the idea of going without their phone for long periods of time, others experience fear or anxiety about losing their mobile phone connectivity. This is called nomophobia.
Nomophobia is similar to other psychological conditions related to the fear of certain things. It also shares a link with other types of anxiety disorders, such as social phobia.
The following article defines and reviews what nomophobia is, possible causes, treatments, and more.
Nomophobia refers to the fear of not having cell phone connectivity. This can cause panic or anxiety in the sufferer.
A 2019 article in the
However, the researchers also noted that it is still unclear whether the disorder stems from an existing anxiety disorder or cell phone addiction.
Other researchers have expressed similar conclusions. In a 2016 study, the researchers proposed that nomophobia may be less of a specific phobia or anxiety and more of an addiction. They proposed to change the name and create a classification called “smartphone addiction disorder”.
Currently, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition does not recognize nomophobia as an actual disorder. However, researchers have been advocating for its inclusion for several years.
The symptoms of nomophobia are similar to those of other phobias and anxiety disorders. They can
- anxiety
- changes in breathing
- trembling
- sweat
- hustle
- disorientation
- tachycardia, which is a rapid heartbeat that may be irregular or regular
The exact cause of nomophobia is not fully understood.
Authors of a article 2016 noted that it grew due to the instant communication and instant gratification provided by smartphones. This can develop addictive and compulsive behavior.
Others believe that an existing anxiety disorder or phobia
In article 2020researchers have proposed that possible causes or predictors include:
- obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to a smartphone
- interpersonal sensitivity, which is the ability to assess abilities and traits from nonverbal cues in others, and can include:
- feeling of personal inferiority
- social malaise
- the number of hours of daily use of the smartphone
Since nomophobia is not an officially recognized disorder and is relatively new, no treatment currently exists. Instead, a doctor or psychologist will likely recommend treatment options similar to treating other phobias.
Here are some possible options a doctor may recommend if they suspect a person is living with nomophobia.
Behavioral therapies
A standard treatment approach for phobias includes a variety of potential behavioral therapies. These therapies help address the underlying fears and beliefs surrounding the phobia.
In the case of nomophobia, therapies could help address a person’s fear of losing their phone, not being connected, and the implications of not having access to their phone.
Some therapies for phobias include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: In this therapy, a person confronts the underlying thoughts that contribute to the phobia.
- Desensitization or exposure therapy: This approach involves gradually exposing a person to the thing they are afraid of. In nomophobia, a doctor can expose a person to a lack of access to their phone.
- Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy involves a therapist guiding a person through imagery to help them develop self-soothing techniques when faced with the lack of access to a phone.
Learn more about relaxation techniques here.
Support groups
A person may be able to find a support group that helps deal with the fear and anxiety associated with not having access to a phone.
They might want to use this site to search for local support groups that help with different topics of interest.
Medications
A healthcare professional can prescribe medications such as clonazepam and tranylcypromine to
Listena UK mental health charity, notes that the following medications can help treat phobias:
Take care of yourself and practice
A person can practice self-care strategies on their own. They can take the following steps to manage their phobia:
- find out more about the causes of their phobia
- progressive muscle relaxation, which involves focusing on muscle relaxation in groups
- practicing different therapeutic breathing techniques
A study 2021 found that helping students improve their self-esteem provided effective therapy for nomophobia.
A person can also benefit from learning relaxation techniques. This therapy involves a combination of breathing techniques, exercises, and meditation techniques to help a person cope with no phone or other phobias.
A person should consider talking to a doctor if they think they have symptoms of nomophobia.
Parents or guardians should watch for symptoms of nomophobia and contact the child’s pediatrician if they notice any signs emerging.
A doctor can refer you to a psychologist or other specialist to diagnose and treat nomophobia.
Nomophobia refers to a group of symptoms in which a person experiences fear or anxiety over losing their smartphone or connectivity.
It is not officially recognized, but more and more researchers are calling for its inclusion as a type of psychological disorder.
Treatments are currently non-standard and involve the use of medications, behavioral therapies, support groups, and self-care.
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