Burnout syndrome: questions and answers
55 short answers with sources, led by the WHO and peer-reviewed research. The answers lead first to a medical assessment and then to the next step.
When is immediate help needed with exhaustion?
Some examples: sudden chest pain that does not go away, thoughts of taking one’s own life or the risk of self-harm. Emergency number: 112 (EU), 999 (UK). When can exhaustion become an emergency?
Why does the medical assessment come first in burnout syndrome?
For example depression, anxiety disorders, thyroid problems, anaemia, sleep apnoea, ME/CFS, a niacin deficiency or medicines can cause exhaustion similar to burnout. A medical assessment can clarify the cause before coaching begins. Why see a doctor before coaching for burnout?
Which questions about burnout syndrome does exburnout.com answer?
What is burnout syndrome, and what causes it?
The WHO describes burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been managed successfully. It can show itself as exhaustion, mental distance from the job and reduced professional efficacy. It is not classified as a medical condition. Studies link it, for example, with high workload, low job control and little support at work. The German health portal gesund.bund.de, unlike the WHO, also names strain outside of work, for example caring for relatives.
All questions on this topic: Burnout syndrome: definition and causes
Which signs can point to burnout, and what else can lie behind them?
Typical signs of burnout can be, for example, exhaustion, cynicism towards the job and reduced performance. The same signs can also occur in depression, anxiety disorders and physical illnesses. Burnout can also involve concentration problems and a feeling of inner emptiness. Irritability can, for example, be part of depression or an anxiety disorder.
Which physical symptoms and sleep problems can come with burnout?
Prospective studies link burnout with, for example, pain, headaches, gastrointestinal problems and insomnia. Palpitations, frequent infections or unrefreshing sleep can also have medical causes. This is why these complaints belong in a medical assessment. Waking very early in the morning can, for example, be part of depression, and waking often at night can point to sleep apnoea. Exhaustion despite enough sleep can be linked, for example, with sleep apnoea, an underactive thyroid or depression.
- Can burnout cause physical symptoms?
- Can burnout cause palpitations or chest pain?
- Why do I keep getting sick?
All questions on this topic: Physical symptoms and sleep problems
Which conditions that are not a topic for coaching can be linked to burnout syndrome?
For example depression, anxiety disorders, an underactive thyroid, anaemia, sleep apnoea, ME/CFS, post COVID-19 condition, diabetes, a niacin deficiency or medicines and alcohol can cause exhaustion similar to burnout. Their assessment and treatment belong in medical or psychotherapeutic hands. Some of them can be narrowed down with blood values such as TSH, blood count and blood sugar, others, for example, with a sleep study.
How does the medical assessment of exhaustion work before coaching begins?
The first point of contact is usually the GP practice. According to the German fatigue guideline, it can ask about sleep, mood and stress and carry out a physical examination. Basic blood tests follow, for example a blood count, inflammation values, blood sugar, a liver value and TSH. According to the NHS, it can refer to specialists where needed, for example to a sleep laboratory if sleep apnoea is suspected.
- Why see a doctor before coaching for burnout?
- Which doctor should I see for burnout?
- What should I tell my doctor about exhaustion?
All questions on this topic: Medical assessment of exhaustion
What applies to sick leave, thoughts of quitting and the return to work after burnout?
Incapacity for work is established and certified by a doctor. The WHO recommends return-to-work programmes that combine work-directed care with ongoing clinical care. In Germany, § 74 SGB V provides for a gradual return to work. This topic also covers how long burnout can last and whether quitting while exhausted makes sense.
How can family members help, and when can coaching fit after burnout?
Family members can help by naming changes they notice and supporting a medical assessment. Studies in physicians show that individual and organisational measures can reduce burnout. Coaching on questions of work and life design can fit once an illness has been ruled out or treatment is agreed with the doctor. This topic also covers the sense of coherence according to Aaron Antonovsky, the core concept of salutogenesis, and the question of whether social support can protect against burnout.
- How can I help someone who is burned out?
- Can caring for a relative lead to burnout?
- Can parents burn out?
All questions on this topic: Family, prevention and coaching
The content on exburnout.com is for information and orientation. It is no substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. In an emergency: 112 (EU), 999 (UK).