Understanding Burnout and the 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].
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.
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At Barends Psychology Practice, we offer professional treatment for burnout. Contact us to schedule your first session, free of charge.
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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.