Severe Social Isolation, Usually with Internet Addiction, Equals Hikikomori

Initially described in Japan and then reported internationally, including in the U.S., hikikomori is a syndrome of severe social isolation, from rarely leaving home to never leaving one's room. It occurs primarily in adolescent boys and young men, many of whom are immersed in online gaming, living with their parents, and supported by them. Lifetime prevalence in Japan and Hong Kong has been estimated at 1% to 2% for individuals socially withdrawn for ≥6 months. To examine how hikikomori features might associate with Internet gaming and smartphone addiction, investigators surveyed 487 Japanese college and university students (mean age, 20; 73% women).

Internet use was similar for men and women, averaging nearly 5 hours on weekdays and 7 hours…