The WHO describes burnout with three dimensions: exhaustion, mental distance from the job and reduced professional efficacy. The complaints are real, even though burnout itself is not classified as an illness.
A systematic review of 36 prospective studies in PLoS One (2017) found burnout to be a significant predictor of, for example, coronary heart disease, musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, depressive symptoms, absenteeism and new disability pensions. gesund.bund.de names lasting work stress followed by burnout as a frequent reason for sick leave.
A useful question is therefore what causes the complaints. A medical assessment can answer it and help to avoid overlooking a treatable illness.
This question belongs to the topic Burnout syndrome: definition and causes. It lists further questions.
What can be raised at a medical check-up about doubts about burnout, meaning the question of whether it is real?
- how the complaints affect work and everyday life
- how long they have lasted
- sleep, mood and physical complaints
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 doubts about burnout, meaning the question of whether it is real?
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 doubts about burnout, meaning the question of whether it is real?
- World Health Organization (2019): Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases
- Salvagioni DAJ et al. (2017): Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: a systematic review of prospective studies. PLoS One 12(10), e0185781
- gesund.bund.de (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, mit IQWiG): Burn-out-Syndrom, Stand 28.05.2021 (in German)