What are the other names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Obsessive Selfie-Taking
• Selfie-Taking Obsession

What is Selfitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Selfitis is an addictive mental condition characterized by an obsessive need to take pictures of oneself, also referred to as a “selfie”, and post/share it on social media websites and platforms
• Selfitis is an extension of internet disorder and online social network addiction, which are characterized by an impulsive need to spend time on the Internet or social media resulting in interference with other aspects of one’s daily life
• Individuals take selfies using smart phones and post them onto social media to draw attention to themselves, feel confident, and connected with their social environment
• Selfitis may be caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors; the affected individuals may also have low self-esteem
• Treatment for Selfitis mainly focuses on lifestyle changes that help reduce access to social media websites and help individuals refrain from constantly photographing themselves and posting the pictures online
• The prognosis for Selfitis varies based on each individual case. With steady treatment, individuals can overcome their addiction and avoid the obsession of taking pictures of themselves

Who gets Selfitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Selfitis primarily affects adolescents and young adults, although individuals of any age group may also be affected
• Although Selfitis may be seen in both genders, females are more likely to be affected by this disorder
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Selfitis? (Predisposing Factors)

Some known risk factors for Selfitis may include:

• Personal history of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression
• Family history of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Having pre-existing addictions, such as substance addiction

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Selfitis? (Etiology)

Selfitis is caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors and may result from:

• Structural changes in the prefrontal cortex in the brain necessary for prioritizing tasks
• Chemical deficiency of dopamine and serotonin in the brain
• Low self-esteem
• Presence of certain pre-existing addictions, such as substance addiction
• Personal history of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression
• Family history of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Selfitis?

The signs and symptoms of Selfitis may include the following:

• Reduced interest in hobbies and interests
• Preoccupation with taking selfies - continuously harboring thoughts about previous and upcoming/future pictures
• Consistently documenting every moment on social media, especially using selfies
• Craving attention and validation from online peers
• Competing with pictures of others; feeling the need to look better than friends, others, etc.
• Increasing the amount of time spent on Internet and social media platforms to monitor comments and “likes” of previous selfies posted or shared
• Unsuccessful efforts to reduce the amount of selfies taken and posted
• Feelings of restlessness and irritability while away from one’s mobile device or from Internet or social media platforms
• Prioritizing online relationships and activities over one’s “real life”
• Using the Internet and social media to escape real life problems

How is Selfitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Selfitis is made on the basis of information gathered from the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical evaluation
• Comprehensive analysis of medical history
• An assessment of time spent taking and posting selfies
• Differential diagnosis to rule out other disorders that may be present with similar signs and symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Selfitis?

The following complications may be observed for Selfitis:

• Daredevil or dangerous selfies: Going to any extent to take selfies despite the risk of danger, grievous injuries, or even death
• Decreased productivity
• Lowered self-esteem
• Fatigue and stress
• High levels of anxiety and depression
• Physical health problems such as neck and back pains, bad eyesight, etc.
• Loneliness from limited face-to-face interactions

How is Selfitis Treated?

The treatment for Selfitis may include one or more of the following options:

• Bringing about lifestyle changes, which is the primary method of treatment
  • Limiting the amount of selfies taken and posted
  • Removing online notifications
  • Restricting time spent online
  • Deleting social media and camera Apps
  • Preoccupying oneself with other activities
  • Creating a reward system for refraining from taking and posting pictures of oneself
• Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change negative and dysfunctional thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to treat nightmares or flashbacks
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address those who have undergone abuse or trauma
  • Family therapy to educate the family of the disorder
  • Art therapy/music therapy
• Meditation and relaxation techniques
• Medication for associated anxiety and depression

How can Selfitis be Prevented?

Selfitis may be prevented by:

• Increasing communication through face-to-face interactions rather than online engagements
• Limiting time spent online
• Deleting social media and camera Apps on technological devices such as mobiles and smart phones
• Participating more in outdoor activities

What is the Prognosis of Selfitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Selfitis varies based on each individual case
• With sustained treatment and changing unhealthy lifestyle habits, the affected individuals can overcome their obsession with “selfies” and learn to take pictures of themselves more conservatively/sparingly

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Selfitis:

• Selfitis is commonly seen among celebrities who gain popularity by constantly posting images of themselves online, which can negatively influence their young fans
• It is reported that between 2011 and 2017, there were nearly 300 selfie-related deaths globally; among these, nearly 50% of the cases were reported from India

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/