Scotland’s Hikikomori:Patterns of Extreme Social Withdrawal (v1.0)

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Scotland’s Hikikomori: Estimating Patterns of Extreme Social Withdrawal in Young People Following COVID19

• IRAS ID

  320550

• Contact name

  Hamish McLeod

• Contact email

  hamish.mcleod@glasgow.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  NHS GG&C

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 9 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  "Hikikomori" is a Japanese term that refers to a pattern of extreme social withdrawal commonly starting in adolescence and lasting for years. This is now recognised as a worldwide problem but one that is poorly understood and under-recognised. It is thought the recent Covid-19 pandemic will increase severe and persistent social withdrawal in young people.

  Research has found a link between school avoidance and poor mental health leading onto difficulties in adulthood. Delayed access to appropriate mental health support can lead to multiple negative outcomes such as family distress and avoidable disability. These negative consequences in addition to a potential increase in cases after the Covid-19 pandemic make it a priority issue to understand and plan support for.

  This project aims to use existing data sets to estimate rates of withdrawal and social isolation in Glasgow High School age young people. We will combine health and education data sets to clarify how many young people are out of contact with schooling and health services.

  Methods
  Educational absentee records will be linked with CAMHS service use data (referrals and appointments) to estimate population rates of withdrawal and social isolation in young people in Glasgow.

  Practical Applications/Dissemination
  This study will substantially improve estimates of population rates of extreme social withdrawal and social isolation in young people in Glasgow. This will help identify and target those who are currently being missed by the normal safety nets available within health, social care, and education systems. Improved safety nets can help inform target delivery, improve early detection, and reduce the long-term impact for people with who are currently withdrawing themselves to the extreme socially. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to extreme withdrawal will be looked at.

• REC name

  West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  23/WM/0073

• Date of REC Opinion

  3 Apr 2023

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion