Symposium Title: Nomophobia (Fear of being without owns smartphone): Emerging realm of gadget addiction

Nomophobia is a form of behavioural addiction; defined as fear of living without having one’s smartphone. The symptoms include preoccupation with the device, excessive use with loss of control, use in socially inappropriate/dangerous situations, adverse effects on relationships and withdrawal (feelings of anger, tension, sadness when the phone/network is inaccessible, constant worry that battery will drain and craving). As nomophobia being akin to substance dependence syndrome, researchers argue that it’s better to consider Nomophobia as a separate diagnostic entity. Assessment and further intervention as per severity of Nomophobia is important as it is associated with a poorer quality of life and it is going to be a future pandemic. This symposium will discuss current concept about Nomophobia, its diagnostic position and emerging assessment and management protocols. First speaker will talk about behavioural addiction and how nomophobia fits as behavioural addiction. Second speaker will talk about clinical features and epidemiology of nomophobia in current scenario (especially in vulnerable populations: youths, children and adolescents). Third speaker will discuss about Nomophobia as a diagnostic entity. Fourth speaker will talk about assessment of such individuals. Fifth speaker will talk about different management strategies of Nomophobia.