Hikikomori: New definition helps identify, treat extreme social isolation

(Oregon Health & Science University) Experts in the Japanese phenomena of hikikomori say the condition of extreme social isolation is more widespread than previously acknowledged, and it deserves a clear and consistent definition to improve treatment across the globe. A simplified and clear definition will improve the recognition and subsequent treatment for people who suffer from the condition, the authors write in a new article published in the journal World Psychiatry.