A state of exhaustion resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is not weakness or lack of motivation, and it deserves to be taken seriously.
Burnout develops gradually. It is often only recognised when tiredness no longer improves with rest and work has stopped making sense.
What it is
The World Health Organization describes burnout as a phenomenon linked to the work context, resulting from chronic stress that has not been successfully managed. It is not classified as a disease, but it can coexist with conditions that are, such as depression, anxiety or insomnia.
It is characterised by three dimensions: physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment or cynicism towards work, and a sense of reduced professional efficacy.
Exhaustion
Detachment and cynicism
Reduced efficacy
The three dimensions described in burnout. When mood and interest are affected in every area of life, depression needs to be assessed.
Signs
persistent tiredness that does not recover over a weekend or a holiday;
irritability, impatience and less tolerance of people;
difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and unusual mistakes;
unrefreshing sleep, headaches or frequent physical complaints;
detachment, cynicism and loss of meaning at work;
more alcohol, caffeine or sedatives to keep going.
Burnout or depression?
The boundary is not always clear. In burnout, complaints centre on work; in depression, sadness, loss of interest and guilt extend to every area of life. When mood is persistently low, when pleasure also disappears outside work or when thoughts of death appear, a medical assessment is essential, because depression has its own treatment.
Assessment
The consultation characterises the symptoms, how they have evolved and the professional and personal context, and looks for associated conditions. When indicated, blood tests are requested to rule out medical causes of tiredness, such as thyroid problems or anaemia.
Recovery
Recovery combines changes to the work context, where possible, with clinical care: psychotherapy, sleep regulation, physical activity and treatment of depression, anxiety or insomnia if present. In some situations a period away from work is needed, decided together. A planned, gradual return helps prevent relapse.
The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, not a disease. But it can coexist with depression, anxiety or insomnia, which are treatable medical conditions.
Will a holiday fix burnout?
It helps recovery, but if the conditions that caused it remain, symptoms tend to return. Lasting recovery usually requires change and often clinical follow-up.
When should I see a psychiatrist?
When tiredness and loss of interest have lasted for weeks, also affect life outside work, disturb sleep or lead to alcohol or sedatives to keep going.
References
World Health Organization. Burn-out an «occupational phenomenon»: International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11, QD85). 2019.
Maslach C, Leiter MP. Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry. 2016;15(2):103–111.
This page is for information only and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Clinical review: Pedro Zuzarte, psychiatrist · Published and reviewed: .