Does Hikikomori Exist in Ukraine?

Abstract

Introduction

The term “Hikikomori” refer to the modern phenomenon–severe (acute, prolonged) social withdrawal (SSW). Recently, there have been increasing reports of Hikikomori around the globe, Ukraine is not an exception.

Objectives

To describe epidemiological and psychopathological features of Hikikomori from Ukraine.

Methods

Hikikomori was defined as a six-month or longer period of spending almost all time at home, avoiding social situations, social relationships, associated with significant distress/impairment. Lifetime history of psychiatric diagnosis was determined by the M.I.N.I. 7.0. Additional measures was Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Life experience questionnaire (LEQ), Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), Chaban quality of life scale (CQLS).

Results

In total, 65.4% of Hikikomori group (HG, n = 26) had at least one psychiatric diagnosis, 34.6% had not. Personality disorders (15.4%), PTSD (11%), MDD (7.7%), SAD (7.7%), OCD (7.7%), bulimia nervosa (3.8%) were the most common. Onset of SSW in 41.7% started before 18 y.o. Healthy individuals formed the control group (CG, n = 25). Individuals with Hikikomori had high level of alexithymia (TAS-20 M = 71, SD = 11.6 vs. M = 60.8 SD = 13.8, P = 0.006). Childhood trauma was reported by 31.8% of CG vs. 52% of HG. Hikikomori had higher trauma index (LEQ M = 3.03, SD = 0.98 vs. 2.31, SD = 1.1, P = 0.019), larger number of lifespan traumatic events (LEQ 95%CI 4.57–7.35 vs. 2.8–5.28, P = 0.039); higher levels of irritability, resentment, suspiciousness, higher aggressiveness (BDHI M = 23, SD = 6.4 vs. M = 16.6, SD = 6, P = 0.001), low quality of life (CQLS M = 12.4, SD = 3.3, Р ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Hikikomori exist in Ukraine, SSW quantitatively and qualitatively related to childhood trauma, manifests in adolescence, can be characterized by defined psychopathological features and affects quality of life.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.