LETTER: The Effect of Mental Disorders on Caregiver Workforce Participation: The Hidden Societal Cost.

No abstract.

Does the Hikikomori Syndrome of Social Withdrawal Exist in Denmark? A Research Request.

Hikikomori, a severe form of social withdrawal, has long been examined in Japan. Hikikomori-like incidents have also lately been described in many other countries but not in Denmark or any other Scandinavian country thus far. The reason for this is unknown. However, looking at existing research and global attention and its relevance to psychiatric practice today, hikikomori appears as a syndrome that cannot be confined solely to the field of some countries or cultures. Rather, it emerges as a phenomenon that may also concern many aspects of a modern society like the Danish. In the light of considerable quality research on hikikomori in Japan and with increasing international awareness and experiences, the author hereby calls on the health and research community to draw crucial interest to Scandinavian countries, such as Denmark.

People exposed to suicide attempts: Frequency, impact, and the support received.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about people who have been exposed to a suicide attempt by someone they know. The purpose of this study was to examine how many people have been exposed to a suicide attempt by someone they knew and whether the exposure was associated with general well-being and suicidal ideation. METHOD: A population-based online survey was conducted during 2019 in Denmark (n = 6,191). The associations between exposures to suicide attempt and general well-being (WHO-5) and suicidal ideation (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale) were examined using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 24.6% reported having experienced a suicide attempt by someone they knew. Of those, 46.5% had experienced a suicide attempt of a close relation and this group reported having been more affected by the event. Those exposed scored lower on general well-being (b: -3.0; 95% CI: -4.2 to -1.8; p > 0.001) and higher on suicidal ideation (b: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3 - 1.9; p = 0.001) than those not exposed. Half of the exposed reported not having received sufficient support after the event. CONCLUSION: Suicide attempt affects a substantial share of the population, and it might be relevant to ensure that support is available for those exposed perceived to be in need of support.