Hikikomori: psychopathology and differential diagnosis of a condition with epidemic diffusion
Abstract
Objective Hikikomori, from the Japanese words 'hiku' (to pull) and 'komoru' (to withdraw), is a clinical condition in which a subject locks himself/herself into his/her own house for more than 6 months. This condition is becoming relevant in Japan and other Asian countries, with new cases emerging in Europe and a steep increase in its incidence. Methods In this article, the various psychopathological and diagnostic hypothesis and the different criteria proposed by the various authors have been analysed and compared, paying attention also to the new studies conducted in Europe and to therapeutic perspectives that are opening up for its treatment. Results Numerous hypothesis have been put forward for the genesis of hikikomori, in particular, the hypothesis of a behaviour seen as a dysfuncion of the family system or as a result of our current modern society. Furthermore, this behaviour has been compared to other conditions such as internet addiction and a specific form of depression called Modern Type Depression (MTD). Conclusions Hikikomori could represent the clinical answer to a social evolution, similarly to other phenomena such as binge behaviours and use of psychoactive substances. Further studies are needed to clarify diffusion, diagnosticassessment and differential diagnosis.Key pointsHikikomori is now considered a contemporary society-bound syndrome linked to modern society changes.Hikikomori might be a coping strategy to avoid relationships, social judgement and possib…
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Dysfunctional family relationships have been identified in other countries, including Hong Kong, Spain, Italy, and France.
“Dysfunctional family relationships have been identified in other countries, including Hong Kong, Spain, Italy, and France”
Family factors contribute to hikikomori severity worldwide.
“Although family factors contribute to hikikomori severity worldwide”
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- Authors
- Martinotti, G., Vannini, C., Di Natale, C., Sociali, A., Stigliano, G., Santacroce, R., & di Giannantonio, M.
- Affiliations
- University of Hertfordshire (GB)
- University of Chieti-Pescara (IT)
- Department of Psychiatry, “Gabriele d'Annunzio” University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
- Corresponding author
- Vannini, Chiara
- Venue
- International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2020-09-28
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 187-194
- ISSN
- 1365-1501 (ISSN-L)
- 1471-1788
- OpenAlex
- W3088583343
- Cited by
- 26
- References
- 54
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 3
- FWCI
- 5.30
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Education › Youth Substance Use and School Attendance
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychology and Mental Health
- Keywords
- hikikomori, social withdrawal, psychopathology, differential diagnosis, internet addiction, family dysfunction, social isolation, suicide risk, early intervention, epidemic spread
- MeSH terms
- Phobia, Social, Social Interaction, Mental Disorders, Humans, Japan, Psychopathology, Shame, Social Isolation, Secondary Health Care
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