The WHO names three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to it, and reduced professional efficacy. gesund.bund.de also mentions physical complaints such as stomach and bowel problems and pain.
Burnout and depression can overlap strongly. In a study of 1,386 teachers in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2016), 86 % of those identified as burned out met the criteria for a provisional diagnosis of depression.
The signs therefore point towards a medical assessment. It can clarify whether, for example, depression, an anxiety disorder, ME/CFS, medicines or a physical illness cause the complaints.
This question belongs to the topic Burnout symptoms. It lists further questions.
What can be raised at a medical check-up about the signs of burnout, meaning the typical warning signals?
- exhaustion, mood and drive over the last weeks
- distance from colleagues and tasks
- concentration and performance
- physical complaints, for example pain or stomach problems
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 the signs of burnout, meaning the typical warning signals?
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 when burnout is suspected. Point out that I need to ask the practice directly about the scope and laboratory tests, for example TSH (thyroid). 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 the signs of burnout, meaning the typical warning signals?
- World Health Organization (2019): Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases
- Schonfeld IS, Bianchi R (2016): Burnout and depression: two entities or one? Journal of Clinical Psychology 72(1), 22–37
- gesund.bund.de (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, mit IQWiG): Burn-out-Syndrom, Stand 28.05.2021 (in German)