Is Hikkomori Syndrome a ‘Modern-day Depression’? A Nosological Perspective

Gideon Qinxian GUO

doi:10.64663/aet.24

Authors

Gideon Qinxian GUO Hope Therapy Centre, Singapore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64663/aet.24

Keywords:

Hikikomori, Social Withdrawal, Depression, Anxiety, Nosology

Abstract

This short paper is the author’s attempt to provide an investigative examination of a severe disorder of socially avoidant behavior observed over a period of at least six months or more. Known as Hikikomori Syndrome, the condition can cause serious distress and dysfunction to the sufferer and the explicit behavioral traits include the refusal to leave home or go outside, to go to school (if the sufferer is still studying) or to work (if s/he is a working adult), and withdrawal from peers as well as close family members leading to social isolation and limited social communication with others. However, Hikikomori Syndrome appears to be a biosocio-psychological disorder that overlaps and is co-morbid with other psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It is vital to examine the underlying conceptualization and consider if Hikikomori Syndrome is indeed a form of modern-day depression.

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