Prolonged social withdrawal disorder: A hikikomori case in Spain

Abstract

Background: The Japanese term hikikomori means literally ‘to be confined’. Social withdrawal can be present in severe psychiatric disorders; however, in Japan, hikikomori is a defined nosologic entity. There have been only a few reported cases in occidental culture. Material: We present a case report of a Spanish man with prolonged social withdrawal lasting for 4 years. Discussion: This is a case of prolonged social withdrawal not bound to culture, as well as the second case of hikikomori reported in Spain. We propose prolonged social withdrawal disorder as a disorder not linked to culture, in contrast to hikikomori. Conclusion: Further documentation of this disorder is still needed to encompass all cases reported in Japan and around the world.