Burnout

Burnout or occupational burnout is an informal term that has only recently been recognized as a medical diagnosis, and is used to describe a reaction to emotional stress accompanied by signs of physical or emotional exhaustion. Less commonly, burnout may refer to the effects of drug abuse.

Occupational burnout results from long-term, unresolvable, job stress. It is characterized by a set of symptoms that includes exhaustion resulting from work's demands, which feel excessive, exhaustion, and sometimes physical symptoms such as headaches and sleeplessness, being quick to anger, and closed minded thinking.

In 1974, Herbert Freudenberger became the first researcher to publish in a psychology-related journal a paper that used the term burnout.

Signs and symptoms

 * energy depletion, or exhaustion, increased mental distance from job,
 * negativism or cynicism
 * reduced professional efficacy

Typically for weeks of months. May be linked to depression or anxiety.

Diagnosis
Burnout is now recognized as a medical diagnosis, which is aimed to the ICD-11 term:


 * Problems associated with employment or unemployment.

Overtraining syndrome
In athletes, a combination of a heavy training load with a lack of adaption to it, can result in a persistent reduction in performance combined with exhaustion, this is sometimes called burnout although the correct term is overtraining syndrome.

ME/CFS
Burnout is not an alternative name for chronic fatigue syndrome and does not meet the diagnostic criteria for it. Burnout is a psychological response, not a physical disease like ME/CFS.

Treatment
Typically, a reduction in activities, and beginning regular stress management or relaxation practices.

Time off work is often required. Treatment for depression or anxiety may be needed if they are present.

News and articles

 * Burnout is an official medical diagnosis - USA Today
 * 5 Ways to deal with Burnout from Elite Sport - The Conversation
 * Burn-out is now an occupational disease - World Health Organization

Notable articles

 * 2006, Clinical burnout is not reflected in the cortisol awakening response, the day-curve or the response to a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test - (Full text)

Learn more

 * Burnout in Sport
 * Stress and Burnout - NHS
 * Burnout: The Risk of Physical Assault - CDC