Hikikomori, a risk factor for life-threatening malnutrition: a case report of an emergency within the vulnerability
Background: the Japanese term hikikomori represent a condition of self-isolation, predominantly seen in male adolescents and young adults [1]. Hikikomori is associated with malnutrition[1], mood disorders, self-neglect, and reduced access to healthcare. Although ini...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
PAGEPress Publications
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Emergency Care Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.pagepressjournals.org/ecj/article/view/13358 |
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| Summary: | Background: the Japanese term hikikomori represent a condition of self-isolation, predominantly seen in male adolescents and young adults [1]. Hikikomori is associated with malnutrition[1], mood disorders, self-neglect, and reduced access to healthcare. Although initially observed and described in Japan, this psychiatric condition has become a global phenomenon in recent years, with an important burden on patients and their families. Hikikomori syndrome can be especially dangerous when compounded by psychiatric comorbidities or socioeconomic vulnerabilities, [2], as evidenced by an alarming increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Case report: We present the case of a young man admitted to the emergency department with life-threatening malnutrition and anemia after prolonged self-isolation following cyberbullying episodes. The patient was found in critical condition, suffering from shock and multiorgan failure. After initial emergency interventions, and post-stabilization, he was transferred to psychiatric care.
Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? Emergency physicians should start considering hikikomori as a risk factor in the assessment of malnutrition and anaemia, above all in young adults. In addition, we want to highlight how much the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the critical issues of local medicine, exposing the most vulnerable to greater risk. The Emergency Department necessitates a more integrated approach with social and out-of-hospital health services for intercepting and addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals.
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| ISSN: | 2282-2054 |