Burnout:
symptoms
The symptoms of burnout are
ambiguous. Burnout, also known as burnout syndrome, is a complex
hodgepodge of symptoms and signs that, under certain circumstances, are
associated with occupational stress . Burnout
is often described as being “burned out” - as an empty battery that needs to be
recharged. The symptoms of burnout in men seem indistinguishable from the
signs of burnout in women.
The first signs of burnout include exhaustion, lack of energy, feelings of weakness, sleep problems
or difficulty concentrating . Doctors also name boredom,
indifference, bitterness or the loss of empathy as possible
symptoms. Finally, physical complaints such as back pain, breathing
difficulties or nausea can also appear as signs of burnout.
In total, over a hundred different symptoms that
can be associated with burnout have been described in numerous
studies. Burnout researchers have repeatedly emphasized that burnout can
lead to different symptoms in every person. This makes burnout difficult
to detect and makes it very difficult for doctors to make a diagnosis.
This is one of the reason
why burnout is not a disease to this day . There
are no mandatory criteria by which doctors can make a diagnosis. Rather,
burnout seems to describe a situation in which people experience psychological
stress as a result of occupational stress, which in turn manifests itself in
various signs.
However, there are three main symptom areas of
burnout syndrome that can be found in almost all descriptions:
- Exhaustion: People who suffer from
burnout are drained, exhausted, lacking energy. Those affected are
overwhelmed, tired, depressed and also have physical complaints.
- Alienation: Work is stressful and
frustrating. Cynicism, emotional distance and numbness towards the
job and colleagues arise.
- Reduced productivity: Lack of concentration
and listlessness lead to poorer performance in the respective activity.
Burnout
levels
The course of burnout is often described in
stages. This is probably dues to the fact that at the beginning of burnout
research in the late 1970s and 80s, many scientists came up with different
level models. They wanted to give a structure to the burnout process, but
the models differ considerably from one another.
In principle, the tiered models sound plausible,
but they are not scientifically proven. The course of burnout is also
often described as a burnout spiral. The German Society for Psychiatry
and Psychotherapy , Psychosomatics and Neurology
(DGPPN) described these models in a position paper in 2012 as
“completely incompatible” with international diagnostic criteria.
Burnout:
treatment
What to do with burnout depends on the
case. Burnout can result from various causes. In order to cure
burnout, doctors must therefore look at the individual circumstances and assess
which therapy will bring the greatest help.
There are many approaches to treating
burnout: behavior training, communication training, mindfulness exercises,
autogenic training and even online coaching so that burnout
treatment can be carried out at home. However, very few burnout treatment
options have been scientifically investigated and tested in several studies.
In a report by the German Agency for Health
Technology Assessment (DAHTA) from 2012, scientists examined the state of
research on various burnout therapies. They came to the conclusions
that there are enough scientific studies only for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to classify it as
effective.
There are also numerous burnout medications on the Internet , some of
which do not require a prescription. These, too, have not been
scientifically investigated. If, in the course of the diagnosis, it turns
out that an affected person suffers from depression instead
of burnout , then medication can help.
Basically, however, there are a few pieces of
advice that everyone can use to help themselves with burnout. You can
provide support when those affected feel overwhelmed or stressed.
Burnout self-help tips:
- Provide relief, take breaks, take enough free
time and organize it.
- Healthy lifestyle: pay attention to nutrition,
exercise enough, get enough sleep.
- Practice relaxation techniques.
- Become clear about personal demands on work
and career and adjust them if necessary.
Depending on the burnout treatment, the health
insurance company may cover the costs. Because burnout is not a disease , the doctor cannot diagnose
burnout. Instead, doctors often enter the classification code (ICD-10
code) for depression or for "problems related to difficulties in coping
with life" in the certificate. The health insurance companies then
have to pay for psychotherapeutic measures, for example, because they are used
to treat mental and psychosomatic illnesses. However, they do not
necessarily cover the costs of certain coaching sessions.
