Burnout

Posted byRatel Health
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Burnout

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

An occupational phenomenon, recognized by the World Health Organization, resulting from chronic unmanaged workplace stress, involving exhaustion and reduced professional efficacy.

Overview

Burnout, as recognized by the World Health Organization in the ICD-11, is an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. It is not classified as a medical condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include persistent exhaustion, cynicism or detachment from work, and a growing sense of ineffectiveness or reduced accomplishment. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Burnout is associated with chronic workplace stressors, such as excessive workload, lack of control, insufficient reward, and poor workplace community or fairness.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Therapy focused on stress management, boundary-setting, and, where relevant, addressing underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms can help.

Living With Burnout

Addressing workload, building in recovery time, and seeking organizational or role changes where possible are important parts of recovery.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Outlook

Many people see significant improvement with a combination of personal coping strategies and changes to their work environment.

Related Conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A persistent pattern of excessive, difficult-to-control worry about everyday events and activities.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder involving persistent sadness or loss of interest that interferes with daily life for at least two weeks.

Adjustment Disorder

An emotional or behavioral response to an identifiable stressor that is out of proportion to the stressor or causes significant impairment.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.