Bengaluru: BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital in Bengaluru, recently treated a 12-year-old boy who presented with complaints of headache, blurring of vision, and involuntary movements of the right hand. The patient was assessed by Dr. P. C. Mohan, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Dr. Kranthi Mohan, Consultant Neurologist, who conducted a thorough neurological assessment, imaging, and appropriate investigations. After the assessment, it was found that the body did not require any neurological intervention and referred to Sumalatha Vasudeva, a psychologist at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital.
Upon taking a detailed history, it was discovered that the boy had extensive mobile phone usage, lack of socialisation, and low confidence. These factors were found to be the underlying cause of his complaints. Gadget addiction had caused functional involuntary movements, headaches, and vision disturbances. Vasudeva started the boy on a week-long psychotherapy session, which resulted in a dramatic improvement in his involuntary movements, headache, and other complaints. The boy’s handwriting became legible, and he regained his confidence. After a week, all his complaints had resolved completely.
The constant craving for the good feeling associated with gadget addiction, caused by the release of dopamine, the feel-good chemical in the brain, drives further usage of these mediums for pleasure. Disconnecting from these devices for extended periods of time can cause an opposite reaction and leads to a sense of fear, which also includes the fear of missing out.
Gadget addiction can cause long-term damage to the brain, and research studies have documented a high prevalence of up to 47% gadget addiction among school-going children and teenagers. 80% of children and teenagers who receive counseling are addicted to gadgets.
Parents and caregivers can take several measures to prevent gadget addiction, such as avoiding unnecessary usage of phones and making reels or such features on social media in front of children. Educating children on the impact of screen time and encouraging outdoor activities and quality time with family can also be beneficial. Delaying the introduction of smartphones to children until necessary, keeping smartphones out of children’s reach, and avoiding using smartphones as a tool to distract children during work or chore time are also useful steps.
Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in treating gadget addiction since managing compulsive behavior is difficult. Psychotherapy helps patients understand their compulsions and the underlying issues that may be causing them. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a structured therapy that helps in pointing out inaccurate and negative thought patterns. It also helps patients to positively restructure the way they use technology. In the case of the 12-year-old boy, positive reinforcement using prescribed mind exercises as part of CBT proved effective in handling the symptoms caused by addiction.
BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Psychologist, Sumalatha Vasudeva said, “This case may be the foreteller of the unseen and much bigger damage caused by gadget addiction. We must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of gadget addiction and promote responsible use of technology among children and teenagers. This is a challenge that requires a concerted effort from healthcare professionals, parents, and educators.”
Tackling the menace of gadget addiction among children and teenagers requires teamwork between parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. School teachers and management can prohibit mobile phone usage by all students, discourage the use of WhatsApp or any other communication groups meant for easy communication between teachers and parents, and avoid encouraging sharing notes via phones. Encouraging original creativity over online ideas and giving importance to the student’s efforts rather than the results is also crucial. Healthcare professionals can provide regular awareness sessions regarding the dangers of gadget addiction and provide timely help to manage cases of gadget addiction with professional help.