Phantom Phone Signals in youths: Prevalence, correlates and relation to psychopathology

Phantom phone signals and other hallucinatory-like experiences: Investigation of similarities and differences

Phantom Phone Signals (PPS) and other hallucinatory-like experiences (HLEs) are perceptual anomalies that are commonly reported in the general population. Both phenomena concern the same sensory modality, but PPS are restricted to smartphone use. The current study aimed to assess similarities and differences between these types of anomalies in relation to general psychopathology, metacognitive beliefs about perception, smartphone dependence, and susceptibility to top-down influences on perception. We analyzed data from a Polish community sample (N = 236, aged 18-69). We used questions pertaining to PPS, a questionnaire pertaining to HLEs (Multi-Modality Unusual Sensory Experiences Questionnaire), and other variables of interest (Symptom Checklist-27-plus, Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale, and the Beliefs about Perception Questionnaire). Additionally, a false-perception task manipulating cognitive expectancy (i.e., a visual cue associated with auditory stimuli vs. no visual cue) was devised to measure top-down influences on perception. Regression analyses showed that only top-down beliefs about perception predicted both PPS and HLEs. Smartphone dependency proved to be a stronger predictor of PPS than other measured variables, whereas for HLEs, general psychopathology was the strongest predictor. Current results suggest that despite sharing some mechanisms, PPS and HLEs may have independent underlying factors.

Correlations between Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Depressiveness and Daytime Sleepiness, as Well as Perceived Social Support in Adolescents

(1) The aim of this study was to estimate the scale of mobile phone addiction among young adults as well as to establish whether the low level of perceived social support is related to problematic smartphone use, and whether an addictive pattern of mobile phone use is related to the prevalence of depressiveness and excessive daytime sleepiness. (2) The study was carried out using the diagnostic poll method via the questionnaire technique. Both the author's own questionnaire and the following standardized research tools were used: the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale for Adolescents (MPPUSA), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). (3) Perceived social support was significantly lower in the group of respondents who problematically used their mobile phones in comparison with the ones who used them in a proper way. Severity of depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness was significantly higher in respondents addicted to their mobiles compared to nonaddicted ones. (4) Conclusions: An important correlation between phone addiction and the prevalence of depressive symptoms and excessive daytime sleepiness exists. Problematic mobile phone use concerns individuals with low levels of perceived social support.

Timed Vibration Sense and Joint Position Sense among Male University Students Experiencing Phantom Vibration Syndrome, Affecting Their Lifestyle

Background

Vibration dysfunction can cause a number of pathologies in the body, starting with the distal joints and swiftly progressing to proximal joints if not addressed. As a result, it's important to be aware of vibration dysfunction and syndromes like phantom vibration syndrome. The purpose of the following study was to determine if phantom vibration syndrome affects university male students' lifestyles in terms of vibration sensitivity and joint position sense.

Methods

A cross sectional study design with a total of 96 individuals were chosen on the basis of random sampling. Participants were assessed for potential phantom vibrations using a self-structured and validated questionnaire approved by clinical experts. Following the completion of questionnaire, the individuals timed vibration sense and Joint position sense were tested using a tuning fork (128 hz) and a full circle goniometer respectively.

Results

According to the results of the survey, 100% (96) of individuals experienced phantom vibrations, and 97.9% (94) of individuals assume their phone was ringing when it isn't. 56.3 % (54) of people become anxious due to phantom vibrations or ringing of phone. When current study's median value for timed vibration sensation (4 sec) was compared to previous studies, the results were found to be within normal ranges, implying that the phantom vibration syndrome had no physiological influence on timed vibration sense (VBS). In previous studies, the hip joint position sense average absolute error score decreased linearly from the target position. The reproduce angle from the target position reduced overall in the current study, indicating no change in joint position sense in people experiencing phantom vibration syndrome.

Conclusion

Phantom vibration syndrome effects individual psychologically but not physiologically.

At-risk early adolescents profiles in the community: A cluster analysis using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire

Early adolescence, with its several changes and demands, represents a delicate period of life. Several studies highlighted that during early adolescence, emotional and behavioral problems tend to increase. Using a person-centered approach, the present study explored the emotional and behavioral functioning profiles in a sample of Italian preadolescent students. Participants were 2959 youths (1533 males and 1426 females; age 10-14 years); they completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Inventory of Callous Unemotional traits (ICU). Findings revealed four different profiles: "no psychopathology" (41.5%), "low psychopathology with sub-threshold hyperactivity" (33%), "predominantly internalizing" (19%), and "predominantly externalizing" (6.5%). The two latter clusters are characterized by high levels of SDQ Total Score. The "predominantly internalizing" is distinguished by a higher prevalence of females, and the "predominantly externalizing" by a higher prevalence of males and higher CU traits. A person-oriented approach allowed for identifying subgroups of early adolescents who may significantly vary in their configuration of internalizing and externalizing problems. Such subgroups may reflect youths for whom the creation of prevention and intervention programs could be more tailored.

Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament in youths: Refining the structure, the way of assessment and the clinical significance in the youth population

BACKGROUND

Although a better understanding of the prodromes of affective disorders in youth has important clinical and research implications, empirical data are still unconclusive. Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament (CHT) has been linked to both depression and bipolarity, as well as to suicidality. Its conceptualization is still debated, as well as a comprehensive, psychometrically sound way of assessment.

METHODS

factor structure, reliability, measurement invariance, convergent and divergent validity of the previously published CHT questionnaire (a youth version derived from Temperament Evaluation in Memphis Pisa and San Diego (TEMPS) was assessed in a school-based sample of 2959 students aged from 10 to 14 years (mean age = 11.8 ± 0.97 years). Furthermore, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a new cut-off score related to the presence of general psychopathology symptoms.

RESULTS

CHT is better conceptualized in a two-correlated factors model, a moodiness/hypersensitiveness factor, more associated with internalizing symptoms, and an impulsiveness/emotional dysregulation factor, more associated with externalizing symptoms. The revised 22-items version of the CHT questionnaire with a cut-off score of 15 for females and 17 for males results accurate, sensitive and specific enough for the recognition of cyclothymic adolescents with clinical symptoms.

LIMITATION

the cross sectional design and the self-report nature of the measures limit the findings.

DISCUSSION

Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament is a relevant concept in the realm of affective disorder and can be reliably assessed in youths. It may describe youths with the coexistence of both internalizing and externalizing symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose with a DSM perspective.

Deciphering the Biological Mechanisms Underlying the Genome-Wide Associations between Computerized Device Use and Psychiatric Disorders

Computerized device use (CDU) is societally ubiquitous but its effects on mental health are unknown. We performed genetic correlation, Mendelian randomization, and latent causal variable analyses to identify shared genetic mechanisms between psychiatric disorders (Psychiatric Genomics Consortium; 14,477 < N < 150,064) and CDU (UK Biobank; N = 361,194 individuals). Using linkage disequilibrium score regression, we detected strong genetic correlations between "weekly usage of mobile phone in last 3 months" (PhoneUse) vs. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; rg = 0.425, p = 4.59 × 10-29) and "plays computer games" (CompGaming) vs. schizophrenia (SCZ; rg = -0.271, p = 7.16 × 10-26). Focusing on these correlations, we used two sample MRs to detect the causal relationships between trait pairs by treating single nucleotide polymorphisms as non-modifiable risk factors underlying both phenotypes. Significant bidirectional associations were detected (PhoneUse→ADHD β = 0.132, p = 1.89 × 10-4 and ADHD→PhoneUse β = 0.084, p = 2.86 × 10-10; CompGaming→SCZ β = -0.02, p = 6.46 × 10-25 and CompGaming→SCZ β = -0.194, p = 0.005) and the latent causal variable analyses did not support a causal relationship independent of the genetic correlations between these traits. This suggests that molecular pathways contribute to the genetic overlap between these traits. Dopamine transport enrichment (Gene Ontology:0015872, pSCZvsCompGaming = 2.74 × 10-10) and DRD2 association (pSCZ = 7.94 × 10-8; pCompGaming = 3.98 × 10-25) were detected in SCZ and CompGaming and support their negative correlative relationship. FOXP2 was significantly associated with ADHD (p = 9.32 × 10-7) and PhoneUse (p = 9.00 × 10-11) with effect directions concordant with their positive genetic correlation. Our study demonstrates that epidemiological associations between psychiatric disorders and CDUs are due, in part, to the molecular mechanisms shared between them rather than a causal relationship. Our findings imply that biological mechanisms underlying CDU contribute to the psychiatric phenotype manifestation.

Over-connected? A qualitative exploration of smartphone addiction among working adults in China

BACKGROUND

Smartphones currently dominate people's lives and interests due to their increased affordability and functionality. However, the negative aspects of smartphone use, such as smartphone addiction, have recently been brought up. This study utilized a qualitative approach to explore the symptoms of smartphone addiction among working adults in China and the psychological factors that affect such addiction.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews, either face to face or via Skype (online), were conducted with 32 Chinese workers. The collected data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach in Nvivo 10 software.

RESULTS

This study identified four typical symptoms of smartphone addiction, namely, withdrawal (e.g., experiencing negative feelings when having no access to smartphones), salience (e.g., constant checking and thinking about smartphones), conflict (e.g., smartphone use interferes with family and work life), and phantom phone signals (e.g., illusory perception of a phone vibrating or ringing). Conscientiousness, neuroticism, and extroversion increase the likelihood of smartphone addiction. Notably, this study found that conscientious workers are likely to develop smartphone addiction, a finding that is contrary to those of the majority of existing studies on technological addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed various smartphone addiction symptoms among young Chinese workers, and these include withdrawal, salience, conflicts, and phantom phone signals. Conscientious, neurotic, and extroverted employees are likely to exhibit these symptoms.