Patna: Doctors in Bihar have reported a surge in cases of so-called “popcorn brain syndrome”, a condition they say is emerging among young people who spend hours scrolling through short-form videos and rapidly switching between apps.
Dr Kumar Gaurav, professor and head of psychiatry at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, said outpatient departments had seen a marked increase in patients exhibiting symptoms associated with the condition. Between January and October 2025, 113 people sought treatment, most of them aged 25 to 45.
Clinicians describe the syndrome as a state in which the brain becomes overstimulated by constant, fast-paced digital content, leading to declining focus and mental exhaustion. “The rapid flow of information makes the brain unfocused and thoughts begin to ‘pop’ like popcorn,” said Dr Pankaj Kumar Manasvi, a psychiatrist at Sadar Hospital. He warned that severe cases could progress to “brain fog”, characterised by confusion, poor memory, slowed thinking and an inability to concentrate.
Patients are typically advised to begin with a “digital fast” – significantly reducing screen time and spending at least two days a week completely offline. Doctors say lifestyle changes, including yoga and mindfulness practices, can help restore attention span and reduce irritability, while those experiencing persistent forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions should seek psychiatric consultation.
Experts caution that the condition is most common among people who engage in compulsive scrolling of Reels and similar content. “If you feel unable to focus or lack interest in everyday tasks, it is important to seek help,” Dr Gaurav said.
