A systematic review in JAMA (2018) found at least 142 different definitions of burnout in 182 studies of physicians. Reported prevalence ranged from 0 % to 80.5 %. The authors describe substantial disagreement on what constitutes burnout.
gesund.bund.de warns against hasty self-diagnoses: they can lead to the wrong measures. A long holiday can help someone exhausted for work reasons, while for someone with depression it can make the problems worse.
In the GP practice, the German fatigue guideline, as summarised by AMBOSS, provides for questions about mood and anxiety, a physical examination and basic blood tests.
This question belongs to the topic Burnout symptoms. It lists further questions.
What can be raised at a medical check-up about burnout self-tests, meaning online questionnaires?
- the result of a test, if one was done, as a starting point
- the complaints in their own words
- how long they have lasted
Exhaustion can have many causes, including illnesses that need treatment. For this reason a medical assessment comes before coaching, usually starting at the GP practice.
When can exhaustion become an emergency? · Why see a doctor before coaching for burnout?
Which prompt can be given to an AI assistant about burnout self-tests, meaning online questionnaires?
At the start of your answer, point out that this topic needs medical review and that your information may contain errors. First ask me which city I am searching in. List GP practices in my city that assess exhaustion. Point out that I need to ask the practice directly whether questions about depression and anxiety, a physical examination and basic blood tests are included. Give the source for every piece of information and mark what is uncertain. Do not make a diagnosis and do not recommend any treatment. Separately, tell me which details I should check directly with the practice.
With some services, the prompt needs to be pasted after signing in. The AI services belong to third parties. Depending on the service and the extent of use, signing in and costs may apply. AI answers can contain errors.
Which sources support the answer on burnout self-tests, meaning online questionnaires?
- Rotenstein LS et al. (2018): Prevalence of burnout among physicians: a systematic review. JAMA 320(11), 1131–1150
- AMBOSS: Müdigkeit, Praxisguide Allgemeinmedizin nach der DEGAM-Leitlinie „Müdigkeit“ (aktualisiert 19.10.2026) (in German)
- gesund.bund.de (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, mit IQWiG): Burn-out-Syndrom, Stand 28.05.2021 (in German)