Understanding Burnout and the Burnout Questionnaire

Burnout facts. Burnout questionnaire.


Burnout is not classified as an official mental disorder in the DSM-5. However, psychiatrists and therapists recognize it as a serious mental condition. Common symptoms, as measured by the burnout questionnaire, include physical and emotional exhaustion, fatigue, and a lack of motivation or engagement. This questionnaire does not measure professional efficacy or accomplishment, as these are considered outcomes of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.

While the burnout questionnaire cannot provide a formal diagnosis, it offers valuable insight into potential burnout signs. The results include recommendations for further steps, if necessary. If you’d like to discuss your results with a professional, please feel free to contact us; we’re happy to assist. This questionnaire is based on the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory [2].

The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory focuses on two core dimensions: emotional exhaustion and disengagement from work. Emotional exhaustion refers to feeling drained and depleted by the demands of your job, while disengagement describes a growing detachment or cynicism toward your work. These two factors are often among the earliest and most persistent indicators of burnout, making them critical to monitor over time.

Understanding your score can help you take action before burnout becomes more severe. Whether you’re in the early stages or already experiencing significant symptoms, recognizing the warning signs is an essential first step. The burnout questionnaire encourages self-reflection and can prompt helpful conversations, with yourself, your employer, or a mental health professional, about changes that may be needed in your work environment or lifestyle.

Burnout versus Depression

Burnout and depression share many similar symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between them. Key distinctions include:
• Depressed individuals often feel inferior to others, while burnout does not typically involve feelings of inferiority.
• Depression is associated with a lack of reciprocity in personal relationships, whereas burnout is linked to a lack of reciprocity in the workplace.

 

For a depression questionnaire, please click here.

Go to:

(Advertisement. To take the burnout test, please scroll down.)

Welcome to the Burnout questionnaire!

I always find new and interesting aspects in my work

There are days when I feel tired before I arrive at work.

It happens more and more often that I talk about my work in a negative way

After work, I tend to need more time than in the past in order to relax and feel better.

I can tolerate the pressure of my work very well.

Lately, I tend to think less at work and do my job almost mechanically.

I find my work to be a positive challenge.

During my work, I often feel emotionally drained.

Over time, one can become disconnected from this type of work.

After working, I have enough energy for my leisure activities.

Sometimes I feel sickened by my work tasks.

After my work, I usually feel worn out and weary.

This is the only type of work that I can imagine myself doing.

Usually, I can manage the amount of my work well.

I feel more and more engaged in my work.

When I work, I usually feel energized.

Literature

  • [1] Bakker, A. B., Schaufeli, W. B., Demerouti, E., Janssen, P. P., Van Der Hulst, R., & Brouwer, J. (2000). Using equity theory to examine the difference between burn-out and depression.
  • [2] Demerouti, E., & Bakker, A. B. (2008). The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory: A good alternative to measure burnout and engagement. Handbook of stress and burnout in health care, 65-78.