TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Pisano, Simone
AU  -  Masi, Gabriele
AU  -  Catone, Gennaro
AU  -  Muratori, Pietro
AU  -  Milone, Annarita
AU  -  Iuliano, Raffaella
AU  -  Rega, Angelo
AU  -  Senese, Vincenzo Paolo
AU  -  Santangelo, Pia
AU  -  Riccio, Maria Pia
AU  -  Bravaccio, Carmela
T1  -  Phantom Phone Signal: why it should be of interest for psychiatry
PY  -  2021
Y1  -  2021-05-01
DO  -  10.1708/3635.36154
JO  -  Rivista di Psichiatria
JA  -  Riv Psichiatr
VL  -  56
IS  -  3
SP  -  138
EP  -  142
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  2038-2502
Y2  -  2026/04/14
UR  -  http://dx.doi.org/10.1708/3635.36154
N2  -  SUMMARY. Phantom Phone Signal (PPS) refers to the false perception of a mobile phone ringing, vibrating and blinking, when in fact it did not. A recent literature about PPS is growing, parallel to an increasing interest about its possible psychopathological implications. The present review aims to synthesize the current knowledge about the phenomenon, and to present a conceptual framework that integrates PPS as a putative index of psychopathology. Furthermore, we propose possible directions for further research. The phenomenon seems highly prevalent, irrespective of age and gender, although estimates are still inconsistent. We have analysed possible factors associated to PPS, disentangling them in person-related (i.e. characteristics of individuals who experience PPS) and phone use-related factors (i.e., time spent using the phone, time of the mobile in vibrating mode, the carrying location of the device, average number of call/message in a day, etc). Literature regarding the association between PPS and mental illness is limited, as most of the samples are not clinical and too sectorial. Preliminary data suggest that anxiety/depression and stress-related problems seem to be the psychopathological background favouring the experience of PPS. Despite PPS is a common phenomenon, it usually do not seem to significantly impact the people’s quality of life. However, they deserve attention, given the huge diffusion of phone mobiles, particularly in children and adolescents, as it may be an index for emotional or stress-related difficulties. Future studies are needed to better clarify its frequency and its possible impact on everyday life. Studies in clinical samples may further clarify its psychopathological implications.
ER  -