Anna-Lysa Gayle, special to wtop.com
WASHINGTON – If you can’t be without your cellphone for a long period of time, nomophobia may be an explanation.
The new phobia affects people who fear being without or losing their mobile devices. According to a recent study conducted by a British company specializing in digital passwords, SecurEnvoy, 70 percent of women are more likely to worry about losing their phones compared to 61 percent of men.
“It’s been a problem for a long time — mainly with computers, PCs and tablets — and now smart phones is the latest and greatest extension of that,” said Dr. David Greenfield in an interview with CBS’ “This Morning.”
Among other findings, the study also shows that people on average check their phones 34 times a day. Seventy-five percent of those polled have used the phone while in the bathroom.
Side effects associated with the phobia include shortness of breath, panic attacks, dizziness, trembling, sweating, accelerated heart rate and nausea.
Warning signs to watch out for:
- Obsessively checking for your mobile device
- Constantly worrying about losing your phone, even when it’s in a safe place
- Never turning it off
- Losing reception causes some anxiety
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