Youngsters 'addicted to mobile phones'

Many were so attached to their mobile that they relied on it to lift their mood, resorted to lying about how much they used it and regularly borrowed money from friends and relatives to pay their bills.

The symptoms could be even worse for younger teenagers than those studied.

Psychologist Dr David Sheffield asked to group of students to fill in a survey based on one used to diagnose gambling addiction.

The volunteers, who were aged between 18 and 25, were asked questions such as whether relatives had ever asked them to cut down on their mobile use and if they became bad tempered when denied access to their phone.

Analysis of the results showed one in seven became restless and irritable when they couldn't make phone calls and had no qualms about would lying to cover up the amount of time they spent on their handset.

Ninety per cent said they took their mobiles wherever they went and third used phone calls to lift their mood. Seven per cent even said they would rather lose a job or relationship than give up their mobile.

Overall, one in six had a range of symptoms more usually associated with gambling addiction, the British Psychological Society's annual health conference will hear tomorrow (FRI).

A second study showed that mobile phones - an essential part of everyday life for 55million Britons - can send stress levels soaring.

Dr Sheffield, a health psychologist at the University of Staffordshire, looked at how a group of students coped when banned from using their mobiles.

After just three days, their blood pressure was lower and they suffered fewer hassles and irritations when going about their day-to-day lives.

The destressing came at a price however, with the students feeling less happy than when they were able to chat to their friends on their phones.

It is thought their social lives - and mood - suffered from not being able to make last-minute arrangements to meet their friends and from not receiving good news unexpectedly when out and about.

'Getting phone calls can make you feel better about yourself - give you greater self-esteem,' Dr Sheffield said. 'Whereas not getting calls can make you feel down or less important.'

Although the research focussed on students, it is thought the findings will apply across all age groups.

Despite the results, Dr Sheffield is unsure whether mobile phone users are in the grip of true addiction or simply suffering from the strains of modern life.

He does, however, have some advice for those who find it hard to be separated from their mobile.

'Maybe it is good to take a break from your mobile phone every so often ' he said. 'It is hard to leave your phone at home when you go on holiday but maybe it is not such a bad idea.'