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The word “hikikomori” is used to describe the disorder as well as the people suffering from it. The term is Japanese and is made up of a combination of two verbs: hiku, “withdraw, go away, quit”, and chamber, “be in, go in and hide”. The full name of the disorder is “Shakaiteki hikikomori”. The Japanese name is used because the first cases were diagnosed in Japan; over time, however, they began to be detected in other countries as well. You can also find the English name for the disorder: “Social withdrawal”.
Hikikomori first diagnosed Tamaki Saitō in the 90s; this disorder most often affects men, mostly teenagers and twentysomethings. Rejected, ridiculed and misunderstood at first, with the increase in prevalence in the XNUMXst century hikikomori these people met with greater tolerance of society, which is not without significance as it may facilitate the return to people. Soon after the first diagnoses hikikomoruand this “Japanese loneliness virus” has also been described in South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Alleged causes of hikikomori
Occurrence hikikomori it throws itself into the strong pressures for success in capitalist society. It is also linked to pressure in schools, with these countries having a school system similar to Japanese. The disorder is common in Japan – according to estimates hikikomori it affects up to a million Japanese people today. However, since «rat race»Is a phenomenon so frequent there, other causes are also looked for; it is believed that some character traits that increase susceptibility to the stress of intense competition may also contribute to the occurrence of hikikomori. These are features such as low assertiveness and shyness; Negative school and work experiences, harassment and mobbing may also be to blame.
What is this disorder and how does it manifest?
A person suffering from hikikomori (just be «osoba hikikomori«) Cuts himself off from his family and society as much as possible – he leaves the room only to go to the bathroom, while at the same time making sure not to meet anyone on the way, he quits school or work, breaks off contact with friends. The only contact can be made via the Internet (less often – by phone), but this is not always possible either. Characteristic for this disorder, the day-night cycle is also disturbed or even completely inverted. On hikikomori a person can suffer for months and years, in extreme cases – for decades. Hikikomori is found after at least six months of isolation. It is difficult to establish its connection with other diseases and mental disorders – in people after hikikomori they are sometimes stated, but they are generally the result of, not the cause of, long-term isolation from society. There are cases of depression and anxiety disorders resulting from the lack of social contacts; in progress hikikomori however, it was not possible to identify the actual mental disorders underlying the ailments. The word “disorder” is therefore used only for the lack of a better word – it does not fit well.
How is a hikikomori person treated?
Hikikomori is treated primarily with psychotherapy. Its duration is naturally dependent on how long the person lasted in the state hikikomori; the longer it took hikikomori, the longer the therapy will also take. However, starting therapy is associated with leaving the room, and this, after all, is the problem. In Japan, in response to this, an association of therapists, mostly women, was established, whose task is to interact with the person on the other side of the door and gradually persuade them to leave the room. In recent years, specialized clinics for individuals have also emerged hikikomori; there are also support groups for the families of these people.