Burnout

Burnout is a diagnosis patients often make themselves, above all when they are in a state of total exhaustion. Experts, however, assume that burnout is identical with a depression. You can find out more about this on the internet pages of depression experts such as, for example in Germany, Prof. Florian Holsboer. (www.holsboer.de) The typical symptoms are

• reduced performance capacity
• emotional and physical exhaustion
• an indifferent, negative and sometimes even cynical attitude towards work and colleagues
• the conviction that you have failed in your profession.

In addition symptoms occur which are known from depression, such as sleeplessness, lack of enjoyment, inability to concentrate and a variety of physical complaints such as back pains, headaches and the like.

Often a long-lasting stress situation can trigger off a depression among those who have a disposition for it. This must be distinguished, however, from states of exhaustion resulting from permanent stress, lack of recreation and, above all, lack of sleep. In this case relaxation procedures and cognitive behavioral training are called for. The depression expert Prof. Florian Holsboer advises against taking anti-depressants too quickly or the prescription of tranquillizers (benzodiazepine of the valium type) or stimulants (dexidrin, modafinil) © www.holsboer.de

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