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The New Addiction That's Probably in Your Purse

Anyone who's endured the oblivious cell phone user yapping through movies, train rides or even library visits won't be surprised to find that certain folks may be so attached to their phone that personal relationships and obligations may suffer. Now, University of Florida psychiatrists have issued a press release confirming that dependence and overuse of cell phones and other mobile devices are interfering with the lives of many users.

As the line between cell phones and Internet devices blurs, it's no surprise to find the so-called addiction stems not from attachment to the device itself so much as a need to feel connected to social and informational networks.

"It's not so much talking on the phone that's typically the problem although that can have consequences too," [University of Florida assistant professor of psychiatry Lisa] Merlo said. "(It's) this need to be connected, to know what's going on and be available to other people. That's one of the hallmarks of cell phone addiction."

Merlo also cited the inability to put away the phone during important times, feeling anxious when the phone is turned off, continually upgrading to phones with new features and feelings of agitation while waiting for messages to be returned as signs of a cellphone addiction.

While non-addicted adults may find it hard to imagine losing sleep over text messages, a recent British survey showed that nearly 40 percent of students said they couldn't function without their mobile phones, 35 percent used them to escape their problems and 32 percent had repeatedly attempted to cut down on phone use.

Press Release: Addicted to phones? Cell phone use becoming a major problem for some, expert says