Hikikomori syndrome is characterized by severe social isolation in adolescents and young adults. Although it is not officially recognized as a disorder, its nature as a form of psychological distress is validated by experts.
Miriam Rodríguez Menchón, professor of the Master’s Degree in Psychological Intervention in Children and Adolescents at the International University of La Rioja (UNIR), in conversation with EFE Healthanalyzed the causes of this syndrome. He noted that they can derive from traumatic experiences or a tendency to develop psychological disorders such as social anxiety or depression.
Behaviors of these young people
The increasingly widespread reality, comments the specialist, is that this syndrome affects adolescents and young adults, males in general terms, with “certain personal vulnerabilities that seem common in all cultures.”
They are “young people,” emphasizes the UNIR professor, “who have low tolerance for stressful events, who do not have conflict resolution skills, with low self-esteem and with a predisposition to develop symptoms that in psychology we call internalizing.”
It is a phenomenon that began to be talked about in Japan, then in the United States, Italy and now in Spain, the expert refers to EFE.
Recent trends
The pandemic has normalized confinement, intensifying the Hikikomori phenomenon. The significant increase in publications about the syndrome since 2020 highlights this reality. Technologies, especially online games, make it easier to continue isolation.
Excessive use of mobile devices and online games may not be the necessary cause of isolation, but it does keep young people in this cycle. Video game addiction is a concern that should be considered in treatment.
Signs that indicate the development of Hikikomori
Early signs of Hikikomori syndrome in adolescents often manifest in unhurried ways, such as increased isolation and changes in social behavior. Identifying them early can help intervene before they become chronic.
Progressive isolation. They spend more time locked in their room, even locking the door, and avoid going out for school, work, or social activities. They may go out occasionally (like a “jun-hikikomori”), but they quickly return to isolation.
Low self-esteem and emotions. They show sadness, depression, anxiety or insecurity, with fear of the judgment of others that reinforces withdrawal. They often have a depressed personality, poor social skills, or a history of bullying.
Changes in routines. They abandon personal hygiene, balanced eating habits, exercise and total self-care. They suffer from insomnia with inverted schedules (nighttime activity) and depend excessively on social networks or the cyber web as a social substitute.
Communication difficulties. They have problems expressing themselves verbally and respond with anger, aggression or disproportionate reactions to questions. This usually begins in middle adolescence, around age 15.
Strategies for family intervention
It is traditional for parents to watch for signs of isolation in their children. Early intervention can prevent prolonged development of the syndrome. Rodríguez Menchón advises an approach that balances supervision and autonomy.
Parents are advised not to overprotect or pressure young people to return to activities. It is necessary to gradually accompany them in activities outside the home to improve their self-esteem and social skills.
The role of professional assistance
Professional intervention is essential to address Hikikomori, focusing on psychoeducation of the family and the affected individual. Effective treatment includes improving self-esteem and practicing social skills, and may require participation in group workshops.
It is necessary to implement a holistic approach that ranges from improving sleep hygiene to the progressive integration of young people into society, respecting their personal rhythms.
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