Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisTypesCausesImpactTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Types
Causes
Impact
Treatment
Coping
Translated as “the disorder of fear,“taijin kyofusho, or TKS, is a specific, culturally bound, Japanese form ofsocial phobiaanxiety disorder.Japanese culture stresses the good of the group over the desires of the individual. People who have this phobia might be intensely fearful that their body’s appearance or functioning is offensive or displeasing to others.
Some people with taijin kyofusho particularly focus on odors, others on the way that they move, and still others on their body shape or aesthetics. The fear can also be of aspects of the mind rather than the physical body. A person with TKS might be afraid that their attitude, behaviors, beliefs, or thoughts are different than those of their peers.
Taijin kyofusho is listed in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5) as a culture-related diagnostic issue under the diagnostic information forsocial anxiety disorder(social phobia).
This fear occurs in about 10% to 20% of Japanese people.It is somewhat more common in men than women.Other anxiety disorders are significantly more prevalent in women.
Symptoms of Taijin Kyofusho
Taijin kyofusho and social phobia, orsocial anxiety disorder, have similar symptoms. Common symptoms include:
People with this condition simultaneously crave and fear interpersonal interactions, and may gradually become more and more withdrawn in an effort to avoid their fearful reactions.In some cases, people may experience panic attacks in response to social situations that trigger their fear response.
While usually associated with Japan and Korea, research suggests that the condition is also present in other regions, including Indonesia and Switzerland.
How Is Taijin Kyofusho Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose this condition, a doctor or mental health professional will ask questions about the duration, severity, and nature of symptoms. They may also conduct a physical exam and perform lab tests in order to rule out other conditions that might be causing the symptoms.
In keeping with cultural expectations, the basis of social anxiety disorder is on the individual’s reactions, while the basis of taijin kyofushois on the individual’s perception of the reactions of the group.
Types of Taijin Kyofusho
The Japanese diagnostic system divides taijin kyofusho into four specific subtypes. Each subtype is similar to a specific phobia:
Severity
Japanese psychology also recognizes four types of taijin kyofusho based on severity:
What Causes Taijin Kyofusho?
While the exact causes of taijin kyofusho are not known, there are a few different factors that may play a role. As with social anxiety disorder, the condition may be more likely to occur in adults who have a history of shyness and behavioral inhibition.
Difficult or traumatic social experiences could also play a role. For example, being in a situation where a person was shamed or embarrassed socially might contribute to the development of the condition.
Because some researchers believe the condition is culturally bound to Japanese and Korean cultures, some have suggested that thecollectivist cultureof these regions may also play a role.
Impact of Taijin Kyofusho
Taijin kyofusho can affect a person’s life in a number of different ways. It may create significant emotional distress and lead to feelings of fear and shame.
While people with the condition may want to be around others, they tend to avoid social or interpersonal situations where they might feel embarrassed, ashamed, or inadequate. This can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Research suggests that people with the condition tend to be moreintroverted. Because of this, they tend to focus their attention inward on their own perceived weaknesses and failures, which then exacerbates feelings of anxiety and depression.
RecapLike social anxiety disorder, taijin kyofusho can create significant impairment and success. People with the condition may struggle with relationships and experience social isolation and loneliness.
Recap
Like social anxiety disorder, taijin kyofusho can create significant impairment and success. People with the condition may struggle with relationships and experience social isolation and loneliness.
Treatment Options
Outside of Japan and some other Asian countries, clinicians don’t recognize taijin kyofusho as a separate disorder and usually treat it the same way as social anxiety disorder.Typical treatments for the condition often involve medication and therapy.
Medications
Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or beta blockers may be prescribed to help treat social anxiety disorders. One older study found that people with taijin kyofusho experienced improvements when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Such medications are often most effective when combined with some type of psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is often used to treat social anxiety.It focuses on helping people identify and change negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety. It also helps people find other ways of coping with fear and practice social skills that can be helpful for reducing social fears.
A type of CBT known asexposure therapymay also be helpful for treating taijin kyofusho. This approach is often used to treat specific phobias and involves gradual, progressive exposure to what a person fears. As people gain experience and tolerance toward the source of their fear, feelings of anxiety begin to gradually decrease.
Morita Therapy
Japanese clinicians frequently use Morita therapy. Developed in the 1910s, traditional Morita therapy is a highly regimented progression that helps the patient learn to accept and redirect his thoughts. Stage one is bed rest in total isolation, stages two and three focus on work, and only stage four includes therapeutic techniques such as talk therapy.
Today, Japanese clinicians modify Morita therapy for outpatient or group settings, but the basic principles remain the same. Japanese doctors sometimes prescribe medications as an adjunct to therapy.
Coping With Taijin Kyofusho
In addition to seeking professional treatment for the conditions, people may also be able to use self-help strategies to help manage feelings of anxiety.
RecapIn addition to seeking professional treatment, people with taijin kyofusho can benefit from self-help strategies to help cope with symptoms. Relaxation techniques, social support, and self-care can help people manage symptoms of anxiety more effectively.
In addition to seeking professional treatment, people with taijin kyofusho can benefit from self-help strategies to help cope with symptoms. Relaxation techniques, social support, and self-care can help people manage symptoms of anxiety more effectively.
While taijin kyofusho can create significant distress, effective treatments are available. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety that are keeping you from fulfilling everyday needs including your work, relationships, school, or daily living, you should contact a mental health professional.
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatments
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