Phone Addiction and Its Link to ADHD: An In-depth Look

Frustrated with the stranglehold my phone had on me, I uninstalled Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and even BBC News.

I had seen enough Louis Theroux documentaries to know what an addiction looked like and was confident that I had one, although thankfully, nothing as serious as depicted on the screen. No longer than 20 seconds could pass without me impulsively reaching for my phone in search of something to capture my interest.

Regardless of how many apps I removed or how much I endeavoured to detach myself from my phone, it was an irresistible allure. Instead, I found alternate means of entertainment that I perceived to be "healthier". The New York Times puzzle app became more interesting than you might anticipate! I consumed every puzzle daily, still heavily reliant on my phone.

In an attempt to break this unyielding habit, but to no avail, I had resigned myself to a life tethered to my phone. That was until a revelation from my psychiatrist during a routine consultation on a warm afternoon: I was diagnosed with ADHD.

As we become increasingly dependent on technology in our day-to-day lives, most notably our smartphones, it's easy to question its potential impacts on our mental health. There's been a flurry of conversation revolving around one topic in particular – the connection between phone addiction and attention.

ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects both children and adults alike, characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, which is more prevalent and severe than typically observed in individuals at a comparable development level.

Recent research has revealed a potential link between excessive use of smartphones and an increased likelihood of exhibiting ADHD symptoms. There is growing concern that children, teenagers, and adults who spend considerable time on their phones might develop or exacerbate these symptoms.

Smartphones and other digital devices promote multitasking, allowing swift switching between different applications. You could be watching a video, switching to reading an email, replying to a text, and returning to the video within a minute. This constant switching of tasks maps quite accurately onto the scattered focus often exhibited by those with ADHD.

Furthermore, the constant notifications vying for our attention contribute to a significantly decreased attention span, an ADHD symptom synonymous with constant distraction. For children and adolescents who are still developing the ability to regulate their attention and control impulsivity, smartphone use can be particularly harrowing.

There are lots and lots of recent studies on the link between ADHD symptoms and phone addiction. This is often linked to the fact that ADHD impacts self-control: people with ADHD are more attracted to check their phones immediately upon receiving a notification, fostering impatience and impulsivity – characteristics often associated with ADHD. Given the hyperactive nature of phone interaction, it's plausible that this constant stimulation may aggravate ADHD symptoms or mimic them in those predisposed to the condition.

However, it's important to note that current research does not definitively claim that smartphone use causes ADHD. Instead, evidence suggests a correlation: those with ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms may be more likely to excessively use their phone, and likewise, those who are heavy phone users may be more likely to exhibit symptoms akin to ADHD.

While smartphones can bring about numerous benefits, they should be used mindfully. Limiting screen time, especially among children and teenagers, is crucial.

It is also worth considering activities that promote focus and patience. Reading books, engaging in sports, or even taking up hobbies like painting or playing a musical instrument can help inculcate a sense of patience and improve the attention span.

In conclusion, our increasing reliance on smartphones requires us to be conscious of the possible mental health implications. Remember, moderation is key. In today's digital age, being mindful of our phone usage can be pivotal in ensuring our mental well-being.