[Burnout: Historical Background, Concepts, Methodological Problems, Prevention And Different Perspectives On A Striking Phenomenon]. / Burnout: Hintergründe, Konzepte, Perspektiven.

Burnout, historically the successor to neurasthenia, is considered an exhaustion phenomenon caused by prolonged work-related stress. The very concept of "being burned out" implies an image that is immediately understandable and concise to any layperson. Academic psychiatry and psychology pose conceptual challenges to this popular model, which was first published in 1974 by the German-American psychotherapist Herbert Freudenberger. To date, more than 140 definitions of burnout have been proposed. All of the main features of burnout, especially the experience of exhaustion, are non-specific. Various burnout development models have been proposed, which were assumed to represent a quasi-natural process. None could be confirmed empirically. An expert consensus on the diagnostic criteria and conceptual classification, whether as an independent disorder or as a risk condition, could not be achieved. Nevertheless, burnout is classified as a work-related disorder in the ICD-11. Current findings indicate that the experience of burnout among members of the baby boomer generation often reflects their high performance expectations of themselves, while the identical subjective feeling in Generation Z is often associated with missing or unsustainable professional goals. The research on the burnout phenomenon, which largely ignores the fact that burnout - in the absence of reliable diagnostic criteria - must be considered a subjective model, meets social expectations but does not meet scientific criteria. A parallel recording of ICD/DSM diagnoses and subjective disorder models is recommended in everyday therapeutic practice in order to meet the needs of both sides.

[Burnout : Symptoms, diagnostics and treatment approaches]. / Burnout : Symptomatik, Diagnostik und Behandlungsansätze.

Burnout syndrome is characterized by the triad of symptoms exhaustion, mental distance from work activities and a feeling of ineffectiveness. The syndrome is not an independent mental disorder but can be coded in the 10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) as a problem related to difficulties in coping with life (Z73) and in ICD-11 as a qualifying diagnosis (QD85). This article discusses the prevalence and comorbidities of burnout syndrome, taking the methodological difficulties in conceptualizing and operationalizing the construct into account. In addition, it provides an overview of available measurement instruments and their validation. Furthermore, it discusses work-related and individual factors in the development of burnout syndrome as well as analysis of the effectiveness of treatment options.

Burnout and depression in college students.

Research on burnout has garnered considerable attention since its inception. However, the ongoing debate persists regarding the conceptual model of burnout and its relationship with depression. Thus, we conducted a network analysis to determine the dimensional structure of burnout and the burnout-depression overlap. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to measure burnout and depression among 1096 college students. We constructed networks for burnout, depression, and a burnout-depression co-occurrence network. The results showed that cynicism symptom was the most central to the burnout network. In the co-occurrence network, depressive symptoms ("anhedonia", "fatigue") and burnout symptom ("doubting the significance of studies") were the most significant in causing burnout-depression comorbidity. Community detection revealed three communities within burnout symptoms, aligning closely with their three dimensions identified through factor analysis. Additionally, there was no overlap between burnout and depression. In conclusion, our findings support a multidimensional structure of burnout, affirming it as a distinct concept separate from depression. Cynicism, rather than exhaustion, plays the most important role in burnout and the burnout-depression comorbidity.

Differentiating 'pure' and comorbid self-identified burnout: Diagnostic and management implications.

OBJECTIVE: A previous study identified categorically differing scores on the Sydney Burnout Measure (SBM) between individuals with self-identified burnout with (n = 354) or without (n = 188) a history of mental illness. The current study examined whether the SBM's validity held in both scenarios. METHOD: The factorial structure and scores on the SBM measure were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Similar underlying symptom constructs were identified. The group with a mental illness history had higher general factor scores, suggesting more severe burnout. The group without such a history (and thus a 'purer' burnout state) had higher scores on the empathy loss factor, suggesting its greater specificity to burnout than to other psychological states. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout appears to be experienced similarly by those with and without a mental illness history as measured by the SBM.

The ultra-short version of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT4)-development, validation, and measurement invariance across countries, age and gender.

Given that burnout is a major problem in many societies and that employers are legally obliged to act in preventing job stress, there is a need of validated and reliable short self-report instruments. The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) is developed to measure burnout as a syndrome with four core components (exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive and emotional impairment). So far, the BAT was tested in over 40 studies with encouraging results. Although a short, 12-item version of the BAT exists, there is need for an ultra-short version with even less items. The overall aim is to develop an ultra-short 4-item version of the BAT (BAT4) and to evaluate its construct validity using Rasch analysis in samples from various countries along with its measurement invariance regarding country, age and gender. The BAT4 was developed using mixed methods, i.e. combining the results from a Rasch analysis, a subject matter analysis and expert judgements. Construct validity was tested on data from national representative samples from eight countries (the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders), Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Ireland, and Japan) and in a pooled sample combing the data from all eight countries. Differential item functioning regarding age, gender and country was investigated. The BAT4 fulfilled all the criteria required by the Rasch measurement model to constitute a valid measure in the pooled and country specific samples, except Austria and Japan. In the pooled sample, measurement invariance between the eight countries as well as between gender and age was found. Analyses within different countries showed occasional gender and age DIF for some items. The results were promising regarding BAT4's construct validity and measurement invariance. Although the BAT4 includes only four items, its content coverage is acceptable. The BAT4 can be used as a short screening instrument for burnout complaints at the group or organisational level.

A simplified measure of burnout symptoms among paramedics - an exploratory analysis of a Hungarian sample.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is still one of the leading mental health problems. According to research results over the past decades, healthcare workers, including paramedics, are considered a high-risk group. In concordance with these results, the available resources need to prioritize monitoring paramedics' mental health. METHODS: In our study, we investigated whether the available test batteries measuring burnout could be reduced while maintaining their effectiveness. We reduced the 21-item Burnout Measurement and the 8-item version of the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale using the data of 727 Hungarian paramedics. We selected the top four items of the questionnaires that were significantly correlated with the original Burnout Measure Index and the Psychosomatic Scale Index. The classification efficiency of the shortened list of items was based on the initial risk categories of the Burnout Measure and its sensitivity was analyzed using Binary Logistic regression and ROC curves. We then used Two-Step Cluster Analysis to test the ability of the shortened Burnout Measure Index to develop new risk categories. The reliability indicators were also explored. RESULTS: The results show that the Burnout Measurement can be reduced to 4 items with a classification efficiency of 93.5% in determining the level of burnout. The 5-item reduction of the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale can classify subjects to the appropriate intervention level for burnout with an efficiency of 81.6%. The ROC analysis suggests that the shortened questionnaires have an excellent separative ability to discriminate between the initial risk groups. Three new risk categories were also identified as a result of the cluster analysis. CONCLUSION: The shortened scales may be proven effective in resource management, which could significantly quicken the assessment of burnout in the future. The abbreviated scale is also suitable for classifying subjects into risk categories. However, further research is needed to see whether the shortened scales can be used as a diagnostic tool.

Reported pain at work is a risk factor for vascular surgery trainee burnout.

BACKGROUND: Work-related pain is a known risk factor for vascular surgeon burnout. It risks early attrition from our workforce and is a recognized threat to the specialty. Our study aimed to understand whether work-related pain similarly contributed to vascular surgery trainee well-being. METHODS: A confidential, voluntary survey was administered after the 2022 Vascular Surgery In-Service Examination to trainees in all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited vascular surgery programs. Burnout was measured by a modified, abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory; pain after a full day of work was measured using a 10-point Likert scale and then dichotomized as "no to mild pain" (0-2) vs "moderate to severe pain" (3-9). Univariable analyses and multivariable regression assessed associations of pain with well-being indicators (eg, burnout, thoughts of attrition, and thoughts of career change). Pain management strategies were included as additional covariables in our study. RESULTS: We included 527 trainees who completed the survey (82.2% response rate); 38% reported moderate to severe pain after a full day of work, of whom 73.6% reported using ergonomic adjustments and 67.0% used over-the-counter medications. Significantly more women reported moderate to severe pain than men (44.3% vs 34.5%; P < .01). After adjusting for gender, training level, race/ethnicity, mistreatment, and dissatisfaction with operative autonomy, moderate-to-severe pain (odds ratio, 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-4.26) and using physiotherapy as pain management (odds ratio, 3.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-9.14) were risk factors for burnout. Moderate to severe pain was not a risk factor for thoughts of attrition or career change after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Physical pain is prevalent among vascular surgery trainees and represents a risk factor for trainee burnout. Programs should consider mitigating this occupational hazard by offering ergonomic education and adjuncts, such as posture awareness and microbreaks during surgery, early and throughout training.

Vocal Problems and Burnout Syndrome in Nonuniversity Teachers in Galicia, Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Voice disorders and burnout syndrome are common among teachers. This study aimed to explore the relationship among vocal problems, burnout syndrome, and some personal work factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study enrolled 90 nonuniversity teachers who completed the Multidimensional Vocal Scale for Teachers (EVM-D) to evaluate vocal problems and an adapted Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey (MBI-ES) to detect burnout syndrome. RESULTS: Overall, 16% of teachers expressed symptoms compatible with burnout, and 60% of them were in the interval above the 75th percentile of the EVM-D, i.e., they had a high risk of vocal problems. An association between burnout and more vocal problems was established among teachers, particularly between the vocal symptoms and vocal abuse dimensions with the emotional exhaustion subscale of the MBI-ES. A history of anxiety/depression and fewer years of professional experience were associated with more vocal problems. The burnout group perceived more "loss of vocal power," "vocal fatigue," "vocal effort," and "hoarseness." Vocal abuse items received the highest scores of EVM-D. However, only "shouting" in the classroom was significantly different between the groups with and without burnout. CONCLUSION: Emotional exhaustion of burnout syndrome, history of anxiety/depression, and a shorter professional experience were associated with vocal problems, which could limit the performance of teachers. Reducing classroom noise, establishing strategies to avoid shouting, or strengthening personal accomplishments in teachers could be useful in breaking the cycle of vocal problems and emotional exhaustion, particularly at the beginning of their professional experience.

The psychometric properties of the Burnout Assessment Tool in Norway: A thorough investigation into construct-relevant multidimensionality.

OBJECTIVE: The World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an occupational issue. Nevertheless, accurately identifying employee burnout remains a challenging task. To complicate matters, current measures of burnout have demonstrated limitations, prompting the development of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). Given these circumstances, conducting an in-depth examination of the BAT's construct-relevant multidimensionality is crucial. METHOD: This study focuses on both the original 23-item BAT and the short 12-item version, using modern factor analytic methods to investigate reliability, validity, and measurement invariance in a representative sample from Norway (n = 493; 49.54% women). RESULTS: Our findings revealed that the bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling solution (burnout global factor and four specific burnout component factors) best explained the data for both BAT versions. All factors demonstrated adequate omega coefficients, with the global factor showing exceptional strength. Both BAT versions correlated highly with each other and with another burnout measure, suggesting convergent validity. Furthermore, both BAT versions achieved full (strict) measurement invariance based on gender. Finally, our results showed that burnout acts as a mediator in our proposed job demands-resources model as preliminary evidence of predictive validity. CONCLUSIONS: The study validates the Burnout Assessment Tool in the Norwegian context. The study supports the reliability, validity, and unbiased nature of the tool across genders. The findings also reinforce the importance of job demands and resources, along with burnout as a key mediator, in understanding workplace dynamics in accordance with job demands-resources theory.

Addressing Pandemic Burnout Among Health Care Professionals: Beyond Intrapersonal Wellness Programming.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been distressing to health care professionals, causing significant burnout. Burnout has resulted in notable rates of mental health symptoms and job turnover. Hospitals have incorporated programming to meet the needs of health care professionals. A previously reported intervention at the study institution was a cognitive behavioral narrative writing program to target job-related stress. On the basis of participant feedback, psychoeducational seminars, psychotherapy drop-in sessions, and complementary interventions (mindfulness, yoga, and acupuncture) were also implemented to alleviate stress. This article is an update based on these year 2 augmentations. Participation in brief psychoeducational seminars and acupuncture was high, but engagement in other programming (individual psychotherapy and mindfulness) was poor. Hospitals should consider multimodal approaches to address pandemic-related stress and burnout. In addition to educational seminars, programs that address lasting distress should be offered to health care professionals. Targeting job-related burnout at organizational and systemic levels may ameliorate distress. This article discusses methods of integrating organizational programs into clinics.

Antecedents and components of burnout among Hungarian teachers in a cross-sectional study: Development of the Burnout Antecedents and Components Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Studies have focused more on the outcome than on the antecedents of burnout. We aimed to develop a new measurement tool for burnout, including the antecedents and different components drawing from theories of the developmental aspect of burnout. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we tested the Burnout Antecedents and Components Questionnaire on a convenience sample of teachers (n = 618, 83.9 % women; mean age 44.52 years). We used confirmatory factor analyses to test our measurement model. We examined the concurrent validity with the Maslach Burnout Inventory. We also tested construct validity with depression, overcommitment, demographic characteristics and work-related factors. RESULTS: The confirmatory factor analyses supported our measurement model with seven primary factors (need to prove oneself, overload of tasks, neglecting one's needs, conflict between values, interpersonal conflicts, passivity, and emotional drain) and three second-order factors (excessive effort, conflict, and total depletion). The covariates in the Maslach Burnout Inventory showed that emotional exhaustion had a strong relationship with the first- and second-order factors. Overcommitment showed a stronger relationship with factors at the beginning whereas depression showed a stronger relationship with factors at the end of the process. Demographic characteristics and work-related factors did not show strong associations. CONCLUSIONS: The Burnout Antecedents and Components Questionnaire is a promising measurement tool with good convergent validity. Future research should further validate our questionnaire for burnout research, prevention, and screening. It adds a new dimension to the measurement of burnout. The approach involving the antecedents in measuring burnout among teachers can guide future research and tailored prevention programs.

[Burnout in hospital-based surgeons. Approaches for prevention?] / Burn-out bei chirurgisch tätigen Klinikärzten. Ansätze für die Prävention?

BACKGROUND: Burnout among physicians is increasingly recognized as a public health issue including its scientific, political, and societal relevance. The effects of burnout go far beyond physician health as they affect the quality of care, patient safety, medical errors, and efficiency of health care. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the risk of burnout for hospital-based surgeons as well as associations between surgeon burnout and several work-related and person-related factors. METHODS: From the representative Saxony physician survey from 2019, we utilized the subsample of 231 hospital-based surgeons. We conducted a regression analysis with workload, job satisfaction, work-life balance (WLB), resilience, inability to recover and health complaints as predictors of burnout (Maslach burnout inventory-General survey, MBI-GS). RESULTS: Nearly half of the sample were female (49.4%), the average age was 42.0 years, 4.8% of participants exhibited burnout, 45.9% with some symptoms and 49.4% no burnout. Multivariate analysis showed significant positive associations between health complaints, inability to recover, a lack of job-based self-fulfillment and burnout. There were significant negative connections between WLB, the wish to remain in the job and burnout. CONCLUSION: Burnout is a serious problem for surgeons. Preventive measures should focus on risk factors associated with the workplace and organization of work. Interventions targeted at the individual level should start at an early career stage.

Screening for psychosocial risks among physicians in a pediatric hospital.

Over the past decades, productivity practices at hospital resulted in staff overload and burnout. Prompted by physicians' complaints, this study assessed the level of psychosocial risk among senior pediatricians in a university hospital. The survey used the checklist of Quebec's National Institute of Public Health that comprises two six-indicator parts: "Context" and "Key Components" of the Organization. The psychosocial risk level was evaluated by a physician-psychologist duo during interviews of homogeneous groups of workers. The indicators were scored, tabulated, and discussed. The survey led to a substantial qualitative and quantitative clarification of physicians' working conditions, claims, and needs. Regarding Context, the staff reported mainly: (a) cumbersome organization and norms vs. limited human resources (lack of stability, incentives, and promotions); (b) absenteeism and presenteeism; (c) reluctance to seek care or advice for fear of discredit; (d) presence of verbal violence; (e) self-imposed harsh returns-to-work; (f) work-life conflicts and difficult mental disconnection from work. Regarding the Key Components, the staff reported mainly: (a) work overload (physical, mental, psychological, and relational/social), continuous stress, and perceived exhaustion; (b) low job satisfaction and insufficient recognition; (c) inconstant support by their superiors; (d) poor job relationships and colleagues' support; (e) occasional participation and lack of real autonomy and/or strategy sharing. The survey succeeded in underlining concerning issues that required the immediate attention of occupational physicians and managers. It proved the method feasible and valuable in the medical context despite a high diversity of staff functions and degrees.

Co-Active Coping Inventory: Development and Validation for the Chilean Population.

Co-active coping is a fundamental construct in organizational and work environments as it allows for the exploration of individual and group behaviors within organizations. The aim of this study was to develop a new scale called the Co-Active Coping Inventory in the Chilean context. The sample was comprised of 1,442 workers with an average age of 30.48 years (SD = 11.13). 55% were public-sector workers, 34.5% were workers in private commercial organizations, and 10.5% belonged to non-profit private organizations. Different exploratory factor analyses were performed, and the best exploratory model was verified with a confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, multiple linear regressions were used to analyze which dimensions of co-active coping helped predict workers' burnout (emotional exhaustion, affective hardening, and personal fulfillment) and symptomatology (psychological and somatic). Based on the exploratory and confirmatory approach, the Co-Active Coping Inventory showed a good fit to a structure of five correlated factors (Reflective Action, Rash Action, Search for Spiritual Support, Search for Affective Support and Evasion), demonstrating measurement invariance in terms of sex and type of organization. The different domains of co-active coping explain between 20% (emotional exhaustion) and 41% (affective hardening) of occupational burnout and around 3-5% of workers' symptomatology, with reflective action being the most important variable. These results indicate that the new scale has suitable psychometric properties; it can assess coping strategies in the Chilean organizational context in a reliable and valid way. These coping strategies have demonstrated certain importance in relation to organizational and clinical variables.

Interventional Pain Physician Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The study sought to assess the prevalence of physician burnout among interventional pain physicians in 2022. RECENT FINDINGS: Physician burnout is major psychosocial and occupational health issue. Prior to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, over 60% of physicians reported emotional exhaustion and burnout. Physician burnout was reported to become more prevalent in multiple medical specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic. An 18-question survey was distributed electronically to all ASPN members (n = 7809) in the summer of 2022 to assess demographics, burnout characteristics (e.g., Have you felt burned out due to COVID?), and strategies to cope with burnout and stress (e.g., reached out for mental health assistance). Members were able to complete the survey once and were unable to make changes to their responses once submitted. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence and severity of physician burnout within the ASPN community. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences in burnout by provider characteristics (age, gender, years practicing, and practice type) with p-values less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. There were 7809 ASPN members that received the survey email, 164 of those members completed the survey, a response rate of 2.1%. The majority of respondents were male (74.1%, n = 120), 94% were attending physicians (n = 152), and 26% (n = 43) have been in practice for twenty years or longer. Most respondents expressed having experienced burnout during the COVID pandemic (73.5%, n = 119), 21.6% of the sample reported reduced hours and responsibilities during the pandemic, and 6.2% of surveyed physicians quit or retired due to burnout. Nearly half of responders reported negative impacts to their family and social lives as well as personal physical and mental health. A variety of negative (e.g., changes in diet, smoking/vaping) and positive coping strategies (e.g., exercise and training, spiritual enrichment) were employed in response to stress and burnout; 33.5% felt they should or had reached out for mental health assistance and suicidal ideations were expressed in 6.2% due to burnout. A high percentage of interventional pain physicians continue to experience mental symptoms that may lead to risk for significant issues going forward. Our findings should be interpreted with caution based on the low response rate. Evaluation of burnout should be incorporated into annual assessments given issues of survey fatigue and low survey response rates. Interventions and strategies to address burnout are warranted.

Prevalence of burnout syndrome in Spanish radiologists.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The primary objective was to analyze the prevalence and degree of professional burnout in radiologists in Spain. Secondary objectives were to identify possible factors that increase or decrease the risk of burnout to enable preventive and corrective measures, decrease the stress associated with this condition, and thereby increase radiologists' performance and satisfaction at work. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study used a voluntary, anonymous online survey of attending radiologists and residents through Google Forms®. The survey was structured into three sections: a qualitative assessment of the degree of professional burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), a series of sociodemographic and work-related questions, and a final section centered on possible causes of stress and improvements to the working environment. The results of the survey were analyzed statistically to determine which variables were associated with burnout syndrome as well as to identify possible risk factors and protective factors. RESULTS: After disseminating the survey through social networks and email contacts, we received a total of 226 responses (175 from attending radiologists and 51 from residents; 52% men; mean age, 41 ± 11 years; age range, 25-68). The prevalence of the syndrome was 33%, without significant differences between attending radiologists and residents. No risk factors associated with burnout were identified. Teaching in the workplace was the only protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of the respondents had burnout syndrome. Because the consequences of this syndrome can affect professionals' personal life and their ability to do their jobs, early detection and intervention should be prioritized.

Burnout among public sector pharmacy staff two years into the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors contributing to burnout among public sector pharmacy staff in Sarawak, Malaysia, two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Impact of burnout on their lives and their coping strategies were also examined. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among all pharmacy staff in public healthcare facilities throughout Sarawak. Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Multiple logistic regression analysed demographic and work characteristics associated with burnout. Open-ended replies on burnout causes, impact, coping strategies and employer's role were coded and thematically analysed. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 329 responses were received. The prevalence of personal, work and patient-related burnout was 54.7, 47.1 and 35.3%, respectively. Respondents facing problems with child support were 8.26 and 3.62 times more likely to suffer from personal and work-related burnout. Working in areas with potential exposure to COVID-19 patients increased the odds of patient and work-related burnout by 2.80 and 1.86 times, respectively. Burnout symptoms affected their quality of life; nevertheless, self-reported coping strategies were mostly positive. Respondents emphasised the need for organisational interventions, including increased resource allocation, better workload distribution and promotion of work-life balance, to mitigate burnout. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of public sector pharmacy staff continue to experience burnout two years into the pandemic. Regular well-being assessments and supportive policies are recommended to help them cope with increased stress. Additional training for supervisors may be necessary to effectively manage staff and workload during a pandemic.

Use of School-Based Interventions for ADHD, Professional Support, and Burnout Symptoms among Teachers in Iceland.

OBJECTIVE: Effective school-based interventions for youth with ADHD are critical to their success. We examined whether teacher application of such interventions and perceptions of professional support related to greater well-being, including fewer burnout symptoms. METHOD: Teachers in primary schools in Iceland were invited to participate in an online survey, including questions about professional support and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The sample comprised N = 592 (88.5% female) participants. RESULTS: Regression analyses indicated that use of recommended ADHD interventions was positively associated with MBI-Personal Achievement (PA). Greater satisfaction with professional support related to lower MBI-Emotional Exhaustion and MBI-Depersonalization, and higher MBI-PA. Level of professional support was positively associated with use of recommended interventions. CONCLUSION: Effective interventions and support for students with ADHD may enhance teacher well-being. Icelandic teachers require further training and professional support in best practices for ADHD, to help promote teacher and student success.

Burnout and depression: Points of convergence and divergence.

BACKGROUND: Debate is ongoing as to whether burnout can be differentiated from depression. This study evaluated whether burnout and depression could be distinguished using a new burnout measure and other variables. METHODS: Scores on the Sydney Burnout Measure (SBM) were compared between participants with self-diagnosed burnout (BO-all group; n = 622) and clinically-diagnosed depression (DEP-all group; n = 90). The latter group was split into melancholic (DEP-mel; n = 56) and non-melancholic (DEP-nonmel; n = 34) depression subgroups for subsequent analyses. Differences in reporting of depressive symptoms and causal attributions were also evaluated. RESULTS: While total SBM scores showed poor differentiation, the BO-all group had lower social withdrawal and higher empathy loss subscale scores than the depression groups. Odds ratios were significant for several of the depressive symptoms and causal attribution items when comparing the BO-all group to the DEP-all and DEP-mel groups, while only a few items were significant when comparing the BO-all and DEP-nonmel groups. LIMITATIONS: Participants in the depression group were assigned by clinician-based depression diagnoses, rather than by a standardised diagnostic interview, and the group had a relatively small sample size. Participants in the burnout group were self-diagnosed and not assessed for comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: There were some nuanced symptoms differences between burnout and depression, but many of the SBM symptoms were not specific to burnout. Results also suggested that burnout overlaps more with non-melancholic than melancholic depression, and that differentiation of burnout and depression may rely more on weighting causal factors over symptoms.

Exploring the validity of the Sydney Burnout Measure.

This study aimed to examine the convergent validity of a new measure of burnout, the Sydney Burnout Measure (SBM) by comparison against the field standard measure - the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A second aim was to consider burnout's association with psychological distress. 1483 dental professionals completed the two burnout measures as well as two measures of psychological distress. The overall correlation between total scores on the two measures (and on shared constructs) was high, and thus the convergent validity of the SBM was supported. Further, the SBM and MBI total scores correlated highly with total scores on the two measures of distress. Exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) also identified substantial overlap between the measures, especially in relation to the exhaustion subscales of the burnout measures and their overlap with psychological distress items. While future research is required to determine which burnout measure and its associated burnout definition is most valid, our findings argue for further consideration of how burnout may best be conceptualized, as well as whether the syndrome is worthy of elevation to mental disorder status.