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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

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

Authors: Masaru Tateno, Tae Woo Park, Takahiro A Kato, Wakako Umene-Nakano, Toshikazu Saito

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2012

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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.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Hikikomori as a possible clinical term in psychiatry: a questionnaire survey
Authors
Masaru Tateno
Tae Woo Park
Takahiro A Kato
Wakako Umene-Nakano
Toshikazu Saito
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-12-169

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