The research identified changes in areas related to reward and addiction, as well as possible gains of mood and sleep
Reduce the use of the cell phone for only three days causes chemical changes in brain In regions relating to reward and dependence mechanisms, he suggests a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, Published in the scientific journal Computer in human behavior.
According to the authors, the excessive use of smartphones has been compared with some additive disorders, since evidence suggests that this can lead to a series of psychosocial and somatic effects. But the data on the brain mechanisms involved in this behavior still lack.
The researchers decided to test what happens when the use of the device is limited for 72 hours. For this reason, they selected 25 young adults between 18 and 30 years old, who have been educated to use it only for essential tasks during this period, such as family communication.
To evaluate changes in the brain, everyone has undergone magnetic resonance imaging at the beginning and end of the test. The exam was done while the volunteers observed three images: neutral scenes, such as landscapes and photos of mobile phones shipped. In addition, they met questionnaires on the mood and habits of use.
After three days of limitation of the mobile phone, the volunteers presented changes in the brain areas related to the reward system. If exposed to the images of the smartphones, there was the activation of the regions associated with the most intense desire, such as the turnover of the front strap and the nucleus accumulationstudied in substances dependence images, such as cigarette and drugs. “This can suggest a demonstration of a more intense desire for the use of the mobile phone,” says psychiatrist Gabriel Garcia Okuda of the Einstein Israelita hospital.
There was also activation in dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters related to mood and addiction. “This can indicate an association, since these roads have been encouraged to see the images of the phone after the abstinence period,” says Okuda. The results also suggest an improvement in the quality of the sleep And the mood of the volunteers after three less connected days.
However, the study has limits – among these, the small number of the sample, the absence of a control group to compare the answers and the lack of monitoring to find out if the volunteers were actually abstinent.
Another problem is that the assessment of use and mood states were performed subjectively by the relationship of the patients themselves. There are also data on the presence of other comorbilities or use of substances. “So the study is not” has the hammer “not at all”, says Okuda. “But anyway, it helps to start thinking about it.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
