Smartphone use and its effects on brain activity

The impact of the absence of the smartphone on the brain is surprising: it modifies brain activity significantly

Smartphones have been indispensable parts of our daily lives for the last few years, being employed for communication, work, and leisure. A recent study conducted by Mike M. Schmitgen of Heidelberg University, published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, highlighted how withdrawal from this phone for only three days would significantly alter the brain activity.

The experiment consisted of 25 young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 who were asked to restrict their phone usage to basic functions, such as emergency calls. Throughout the study, the participants performed specific tests among which was the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), giving real-time assessment of brain activity.

The research revealed extreme changes in the brain, particularly those concerning reward mechanisms and addiction. The research revealed that the removal of the smartphone provoked responses similar to those seen by individuals who had suddenly ceased smoking or alcohol use.

Smartphone use could develop an alcohol and nicotine like addiction

Brain regions involved in regulating addiction showed changes within hours of withdrawal. The subjects at 72 hours were shown a group of pictures, some with frequent objects such as flowers and boats, and some with mobile phones. In these, the activation of the brain regions involved with reward and wanting happened, similar to the process of substance addiction.

This observation suggests that cell phone use could create a kind of addiction similar to that resulting from alcohol and nicotine. So, the fact that one cannot stop using the phone is not merely a matter of convenience or habit, but has a certain neurological foundation.

The aim of the study is not to demonize technology, but rather to raise awareness about the importance of mindful smartphone use. Their constant presence in our lives can influence our brains in ways that are often underestimated. Gradually reducing screen time may be a helpful strategy to rebalance our relationship with technology and promote better mental well-being.

3 days without smartphone

Source: Computers in Human Behavior

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.
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ADHD and reduced life expectancy in adults: a significant risk

According to a recent study, adults diagnosed with ADHD have lower life expectancies than healthy individuals.

In a recent article in the British Journal of Psychiatry, researchers investigated the deficit of life expectancy in adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosed individuals in the United Kingdom.

According to their studies, adults with a diagnosis of ADHD have a marked decrease in life expectancy, primarily because of preventable causes.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that has a negative effect on school, work, and social life. Initially identified as a childhood illness in 1968, ADHD persists into adulthood for roughly 90% of those who were diagnosed in childhood.

It is estimated to impact worldwide roughly 2.8% of the population. Adults with ADHD are more often in poor mental and physical health, with more cardiovascular diseases and greater sleep problems. Suicide risk is also higher among people with ADHD.

Research suggests that adults with ADHD are twice as likely to die early as the general population.

The study

This study aimed to assess the years of life lost due to ADHD using 2000-2019 mortality data.

Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using 794 primary care clinics’ anonymous clinical records, which covered approximately 10% of the UK population.

The adults with ADHD were compared with the same-sex and age-matched individuals without ADHD, in terms of all-cause mortality.

The cohort included individuals diagnosed with ADHD with standardized codes. Their follow-up times started from the time of diagnosis or when there were valid records and ended at death, study dropout, or in 2019.

Control individuals without ADHD were matched and contrasted over the same period. The mortality rates were modeled by sex and age and life expectancy at age 18 was estimated using standard statistical methods.

The study also considered health status, socio-economic status, and possibly life-threatening accidents to ensure comprehensive data. Patients with ADHD had greater health issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm.

Results

The study tested 9.56 million individuals and identified 30,039 individuals (0.32% of the population) diagnosed with ADHD, significantly lower than survey-based estimates (2.8%).

The cohort included 23,377 men and 6,662 women with ADHD, versus 300,390 non-ADHD controls. Most of the ADHD diagnoses were between 1999 and 2009, the median age at diagnosis being slightly less than 19 years in the men and slightly more than 22 years in the women.

There were higher health conditions present in ADHD-diagnosed individuals compared to those who were not diagnosed with ADHD. Mortality rates were higher for both men (0.83%) and women (2.22%) with ADHD compared to non-ADHD men (0.52%) and women (1.35%).

Men with ADHD had a 1.89 greater chance of dying during the follow-up period, and women had a 2.13 greater chance.

Life expectancy estimates indicated that ADHD males had lived 6.78 years less (73.26 years), and females had lived 8.64 years less (75.15 years) than their controls.

These findings reinforce the connection between ADHD and enhanced mortality risk, and it is with the acknowledgment of this that medical interventions must be specifically tailored.

This study reports the first estimation of the potential impact of ADHD on UK adult life expectancy, and there was a reduction of around 7 years for men and 9 years for women compared to the non-ADHD group.

Source: Cambridge University Press

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.
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