Hikikomori : Multidimensional understanding, assessment, and future international perspectives

Takahiro A. Kato; Shigenobu Kanba; Alan R. Teo

doi:10.1111/pcn.12895

journal article Jun 24, 2019

Hikikomori : Multidimensional understanding, assessment, and future international perspectives

Takahiro A. Kato

Shigenobu Kanba Alan R. Teo

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Vol. 73 No. 8 pp. 427-440 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/pcn.12895

Abstract

Hikikomori, a severe form of social withdrawal, has long been observed in Japan mainly among youth and adolescents since around the 1970s, and has been especially highlighted since the late 1990s. Moreover, hikikomori‐like cases have recently been reported in many other countries. Hikikomori negatively influences not only the individual's mental health and social participation, but also wider education and workforce stability, and as such is a novel urgent global issue. In this review, we introduce the history, definition, diagnostic evaluation, and interventions for hikikomori and also the international prevalence of hikikomori outside Japan. We propose a hypothesis regarding the globalization of hikikomori based on domestic and international perspectives. In addition, we introduce our latest assessment system for hikikomori (including the latest version of the ‘proposed diagnostic criteria of hikikomori for the future DSM/ICD diagnostic systems’) and propose therapeutic strategies, including family approaches and individualized therapies. Finally, we present future challenges that may lead to solutions for an internationalized hikikomori.

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Citations

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References

Details

Published: Jun 24, 2019
Vol/Issue: 73(8)
Pages: 427-440
License: View

Authors

T

Takahiro A. Kato

Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan

S

Shigenobu Kanba

Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan

A

Alan R. Teo

VA Portland Health Care System, HSR&D Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care Portland USA; Department of Psychiatry Oregon Health & Science University Portland USA; School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University Portland USA

Funding

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development

SENSHIN Medical Research Foundation

Cite This Article

Takahiro A. Kato, Shigenobu Kanba, Alan R. Teo (2019). Hikikomori : Multidimensional understanding, assessment, and future international perspectives. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 73(8), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12895

Hikikomori : Multidimensional understanding, assessment, and future international perspectives

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