Nimhans reports first case of texting addiction in teen

When 19-year-old Juhi (name changed) failed to perform well in school, she dropped out. During that phase, the best way she thought to keep herself engaged was to keep in touch with people through text messages. Little did she know that this would grow into a psychological issue.

Juhi is now the case that the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) has put on record to be having “texting addiction”. This, the experts say is the first of its kind they have come across.

Juhi, who hails from Kolkata, was recently referred to Nimhans for a psychological issue. It was when the counsellors interacted with her that they knew that she spent close to 10-12 hours on the phone sending and receiving text messages. For this girl, it had now manifested into an obsession that she could not get over.

The child also started developing associated complications due to excessive texting. She developed finger pain, neck strain and sleep disturbances. Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, professor, SHUT Clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), Nimhans said that what began as a casual form of communication had turned into an addiction.

“She was not good at studies and hence had to discontinue education. When at home, she thought the best way to keep herself occupied was to have conversations through texting. She stopped communicating with her parents as they were critical of her studies,” he explained.

Initially, she pretended that her discussions were only academics related. However, later, she was unable to withdraw from it. “Texting gave her a form of pleasure. That would help her keep away from reality,” said Dr Sharma.

After having her counselled, the child is now undertaking a correspondence course to continue education and has also joined music classes.

The clinical interview revealed the presence of an irresistible desire to respond to these messages and a compulsion to engage in texting despite the problematic consequences experienced.