What is burnout syndrome?

Burnout is a state of prolonged, marked discomfort characterized by decreased enthusiasm, energy, and productivity, changes in behavior, and procrastination.

What are the symptoms?

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.

How is burnout treated?

Treatment combines psychotherapy and, when needed, medication, along with stress management and lifestyle change.

Burnout Syndrome

Medically reviewed byGiorgi (Guga) Sikharulidze · Professor of Psychiatry, MD,PhD · Founder & Clinical Director· Last updated: July 7, 2026

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 Syndrome