Definition
Burnout syndrome = a psychological syndrome caused by chronic occupational stress that has not been successfully managed.
Common in “helping professions”:
Dentists – Doctors – Nurses – Teachers
Described by:
Herbert Freudenberger
Christina Maslach
Burnout reflects a mismatch between:
Job demands
Personal resources
Classic Burnout Triad (Maslach)
Emotional exhaustion
Feeling drained – Fatigued – Unable to cope Depersonalisation (cynicism)
Detached attitude towards patients/work
Loss of empathy
Irritability
Reduced personal accomplishment
Feeling ineffective
Low self-esteem
Feeling unsuccessful
Risk Factors / Prerequisites
Individual factors:
Perfectionism – Idealism – Overcommitment Difficulty saying no – Self-sacrificing behaviour High expectations
Work-related factors:
Excessive workload
Lack of control
Time pressure
Tight appointment schedules
Administrative burden
Poor teamwork or lack of support
Demanding or anxious patients
Fear of mistakes
Repetitive precision work
Postural strain
Signs and Symptoms
Cognitive:
Mental fatigue – Poor concentration
Rigid thinking – Reduced creativity
Negative outlook
Emotional:
Irritability – Anxiety – Sadness
Helplessness – Loss of motivation
Behavioural:
Withdrawal – Isolation – Complaining
Poor work performance – Increased errors Physical:
Chronic fatigue – Headaches – Insomnia Muscle pain – Reduced immunity