Burnout Syndrome
Burnout Syndrome
Medically reviewed byGiorgi (Guga) Sikharulidze · MD, PhD — Psychiatrist · Professor · Clinical ResearcherUpdated:
A state of prolonged clearly expressed discomfort characterized by decreased enthusiasm, energy, productivity, behavioral pattern changes, and procrastination. Symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms:
- Heaviness
- Fatigue
- Tension
- Muscle tightness
- Headaches
Emotional Symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Decreased self-esteem
- Self-critical thoughts
- Reduced interest in activities
Treatment:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Psychotherapy
Source: WHO ICD-11 — Burn-out (QD85).
Frequently asked questions
Burnout is a state of prolonged, marked discomfort characterized by decreased enthusiasm, energy, and productivity, changes in behavior, and procrastination.
Physical symptoms include fatigue, tension, muscle tightness, and headaches; emotional symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, irritability, lowered self-esteem, and reduced interest in activities.
It is driven by prolonged, unrelenting stress — especially heavy workload, deadline pressure, and lack of recovery.
Treatment combines psychotherapy and, when needed, medication, along with stress management and lifestyle change.