National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (Nimhans), recently launched a technology de-addiction clinic in Bengaluru.
Reportedly India’s first such clinic in India, it provides treatment compulsive dependence on social networks, instant chatting sites, texting and mobile games. Teenagers are particularly prone to the addiction. Two common symptoms of technology addiction among teenagers are— steep academic decline or withdrawing from family and social interactions.
Nimhans earlier this year screened 400 teenagers in Bangalore from private schools to government-run schools. The survey confirmed excessive use of mobile phones, social networking sites and multi-player online games among them.
Indian Council for Medical Research study last year too showed an alarming rate of technology dependence among subjects in the age group of 18-40 years. A national-level study on tech addiction in urban India is in the works. Launched a month ago, the tech de-addiction clinic in Bengaluru is a clinical set-up to diagnose and suggest therapy measures.
Technology addiction or internet addiction are similar to addictive disorders concerning drugs or alcohol. Patients suffering from it engage excessively in activities involving the cellphone, internet and social networking sites leading to the detriment of one’s health, social life or mental state.
The addiction manifests itself in acts like constantly checking instant messaging apps, frequently changing status messages and profile photos on social networks, and uploading selfies daily. In many cases, the addiction leads to insomnia, depression and social withdrawal.
EH News Bureau
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