J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.  2023 Oct;29(3):61-67. 10.22802/jksbtp.2023.29.3.61.

Psychopathological Characteristics of Modern Type Depression

• Je SR
• An YW
• Kato TA
• Choi TY

• KMID: 2547840
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22802/jksbtp.2023.29.3.61

Abstract

Objectives
This research probes into the characteristics of modern type depression (MTD) in South Korea, drawing parallels to Japan’s hikikomori state. It aims to bridge cultural value gaps and highlight its significance in South Korea, given the observed reclusive youth behaviors.
Methods
Participants undertook a semi-structured interview assessing hikikomori tendencies and MTD. Also, self-reports were done using the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25), 22-item Tarumi’s Modern-Type Depression Trait Scale: Avoidance of Social Roles, Complaint, and Low Self-Esteem (TACS-22), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT), Smartphone Addiction ScaleShort form Version (SAS-SV), Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (RULS), Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6). Scores were analyzed by group (MTD, control) using and logistic regression was done. Additional analysis was done by group (modern type with hikikomori and modern type without hikikomori).
Results
Of 59 participants, 29 had MTD. In both groups, age and sex were matched with differences in education years. The MTD group contained 14 hikikomori individuals. Logistic regression identified the HQ-25 as a significant predictor for MTD. Notably, specific components like “low self-esteem” in TACS-22 and “isolation” in the HQ-25 significantly influenced MTD status. HQ-25 and RULS were significantly different between modern type with hikikomori and modern type without hikikomori.
Conclusions
Using Japanese diagnostic criteria, this study illuminated MTD in Korean patients. The findings underscore isolation and low self-esteem predicted diagnosis of MTD. As MTD shares common pathological traits with hikikomori, the therapeutic interventions are important in Korea.

Keyword

Modern type depression; Hikikomori; Self report; Cultural psychiatry