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

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.