Hikikomori is a serious social problem in Japan.
What is Hikikomori? Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare defines Hikikomori as "A phenomenal concept which means avoiding social participation (e.g. school attendance including compulsory education, entering the workforce including part-time job and associating with somebody outside the home) and generally remaining at home for 6 month and over in principle (including going outside without associating with somebody). Moreover, although as a general rule we define Hikikomori as nonpsychotic phenomenon excluding social withdrawal based on a positive and negative symptom of schizophrenia, keep in mind that it's not uncommon that Hikikomori includes schizophrenia before a definite diagnosis is made."
MHLW revised a guideline for assessment and support for Hikikomori people on May 19. It is thought that professionals who help Hikikomori people read the guideline.
* Here's a link to MHLW's web page on the guideline *
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/houdou/2r98520000006i6f.html
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The guideline refers to selective mutism as "mental disorders that are strongly related to Hikikomori and their features."
According to the guideline, some children with selective mutism become Hikikomori: 'Some children who didn't speak at kindergartens or schools in early childhood such as selective mutism gradually become school refusal and then become Hikikomori. Others remain at home after graduating from high schools without determining their course.'
(To be continued)
Index of SM in Japan
