Hikikomori, pathological social withdrawal and modern type depression: assessment, intervention and novel therapeutic approach using digital technologies

The constant growth of digital technology has been paralleled by the rise of many reported digital addictions, some associated with new psychopathologies including pathological social withdrawal and modern type depression (MTD). Hikikomori has been defined as a condition that mainly affects adolescents or young adults who live isolated from the world, cloistered within their parents’ homes, locked in their rooms for months or years, and refusing to communicate even with their family. Once described in Japan only, Hikikomori has been repeatedly reported to be spreading abroad due to globalization and internet society.

The present course will provide the audience with practical and theoretical knowledge about hikikomori/MTD over the following three main areas: 1) how to detect and assess hikikomori/MTD in clinical practice, based on the proposed international diagnostic criteria; 2) psychopathological features of Hikikomori/MTD in the European context, discussing the similarity and differences between Asian and European cases; 3) introducing bio-psycho-social intervention and novel therapeutic approach using digital tools such as communication robots and metaverse (avatar).

Course Director:  Umberto Volpe, Italy