In Japanese, the word "hikikomori" means "to cloister". A "hikikomori" is therefore an individual who isolates himself from the outside world by locking himself up for months or even years at home. This disorder, which hides a real malaise, is still little known in France and remains a mystery for psychiatrists who cannot define its origin.
Hikikomori: what is this form of isolation?
The first cases of Hikikomori were recorded in Japan in the late 1990s. Japanese psychiatrist Tamaki Saiton was the first to name this psychological disorder and give it a precise definition. According to the Japanese government, a hikikomori is a person who has been a recluse for at least six months without any psychiatric disorder that would explain this behavior.
Hikikomori cut themselves off from all social life. In most cases, they live with their parents, locked in their bedroom. In France, psychiatrist Marie-Jeanne Guedj-Bourdiau has been studying this phenomenon since 2005 and has identified around 80 cases of Hikikomori. According to his research, this disorder mainly affects young people aged 13 to 30 who have stopped going to school or work. The majority of them are boys. "Unlisted, there would be thousands in France, millions in Japan and now present in all countries of the world " explains the psychiatrist on her website dedicated to Hikikomori syndrome.
The manifestations of this syndrome vary among individuals. Some may continue to go out shopping or go to family meals while others remain locked up for days. Journalist Michaëlle Gagnet produced a report, broadcast on France 5, on this syndrome: "It should be understood that we are not talking about people who isolate themselves to meditate. We are talking about psychiatric problems. I have seen extreme cases, I have seen young people who, in order not to go out, have bottles for their needs. The really extreme case is being locked in the dark, with the meal tray placed in front of the room " told the director at the microphone from Europe 1.
What are the causes of Hikikomori syndrome?
Several factors can lead to isolation and withdrawal. Traumatic events such as school harassment, family pressure, bereavement, painful separation or sexual abuse can be the cause of this psychiatric syndrome.
According to Michaëlle Gagnet, mental pathologies can also cause social exclusion: "There may also be behind a psychiatric illness. We can detect schizophrenia, severe depression, psychosis. There is always something hidden. You have to be very careful when you have teenagers who tend to lock themselves in. It’s not normal to spend weeks, months locked up, and to eat only with a meal tray placed in front of the door, "explains the journalist.
During their isolation, hikikomori can spend many hours on the Internet, but this is not one of the causes of this syndrome. On the contrary, the computer is a means of maintaining social contact. "We define various uses of the Internet, more or less relational: continuing relationships with real former friends; interactive distance learning courses with real teachers and students; links with virtual friends; earning money, network games; self-study without relational research " completes Marie-Jeanne Guedj-Bourdiau on her platform.
How to diagnose Hikikomori syndrome?
As they isolate themselves for long periods, the diagnosis of Hikikomori syndrome is difficult to make. Their families often talk to a specialist about it. For doctor Guedj-Bourdiau, young people affected by this discomfort must be followed at home. Hospitalization is sometimes even required for severe forms. The management of these patients is long and can sometimes be accompanied by numerous relapses.
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