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. 2012 Oct 15:12:169.
doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-12-169.

Hikikomori as a possible clinical term in psychiatry: a questionnaire survey

Masaru Tateno  1 , Tae Woo Park, Takahiro A Kato, Wakako Umene-Nakano, Toshikazu Saito
Affiliations

Hikikomori as a possible clinical term in psychiatry: a questionnaire survey

Masaru Tateno et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: The word hikikomori, the abnormal avoidance of social contact, has become increasingly well-known. However, a definition of this phenomenon has not been discussed thoroughly. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the perception of hikikomori amongst health-related students and professionals and to explore possible psychiatric conditions underlying hikikomori.

Methods: A total of 1,038 subjects were requested to complete a questionnaire regarding hikikomori phenomenon.

Results: While some differences in the perception of hikikomori do exist, all subjects tended to disagree with the statement, "hikikomori is NOT a disorder". Regarding the underlying psychiatric disorders of hikikomori, approximately 30% of psychiatrists chose schizophrenia as the most applicable ICD-10 diagnosis for hikikomori, whereas 50% of pediatricians chose neurotic or stress-related disorders.

Conclusions: An argument still exists regarding the relationship between hikikomori and psychiatric disorders. We propose that the term hikikomori could be used to describe severe social withdrawal in the setting of a number of psychiatric disorders.

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References

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