Hikikomori: psychopathology and differential diagnosis of a condition with epidemic diffusion.

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 points Hikikomori 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 possible failures. Hikikomori might represent an extreme suffering that needs to be identified early: it is linked to severe form of modern type depression and it is a risk factor for suicidal behaviours. It is important to inform and sensitise communities about hikikomori to assure early interventions. More clinical studies are needed to define a unitary and specific model of hikikomori and to structure focussed interventions. PMID: 32985914 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract Source Type: research