Presentation Information
[SY-7-02]Gaming Disorder and Hikikomori: Psychiatric and Psychological Perspectives
*Masaru Tateno1,2 (1.Tokiwa Child Development Center (Child Psychiatry), Tokiwa Hospital(Japan), 2.Child Mental Health Clinic, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University Hospital(Japan))
Keywords:
hikikomori,gaming disorder,internet addiction,autism spectrum disorder,ADHD
With the rapid development of digital technologies, online gaming has become a popular form of entertainment among young people, allowing interaction not only with peers but also with individuals in geographically remote locations. A wide variety of game genres and the ability to play anonymously contribute to sustained engagement. Online spaces, where individuals can gain recognition based solely on gaming skills, appear to offer psychological relief and a sense of achievement, particularly for those with low self-esteem or limited confidence in real-life social interactions.This presentation examines the relationship between gaming disorder (GD) and urbanized society, with a focus on findings from our study investigating the association between online gaming behavior and hikikomori tendencies in adolescents and young adults in Japan, using standardized self-report measures.Neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are frequently reported as comorbid with both GD and hikikomori. In ASD, impairments in social communication elevate the risk of social withdrawal, while increased time spent alone often correlates with greater internet use and a higher risk of internet addiction. Online environments, which rely heavily on visual and text-based interaction, can be particularly appealing to individuals with ASD due to their preference for non-verbal, anonymous communication.ADHD is another common comorbidity of GD. Reward system dysfunctions increase susceptibility to behavioral addictions, and impulsivity—a core symptom of ADHD—is associated with problematic gaming behaviors such as excessive spending and irritability. Notably, inattentive symptoms of ADHD have shown the strongest association with GD. Importantly, ASD and ADHD often present with overlapping features, including subthreshold traits that do not meet full diagnostic criteria.