Burnout: modeling,measuring,and managing

Abstract

Objective:

As burnout has been neglected in medical and psychiatric education, we seek to provide a summary overview.

Methods:

We extract salient findings from the published literature and offer some challenges.

Results:

We critique the current principal model of burnout, argue for broadening the symptom constructs and for a diathesis-stress model where a perfectionistic personality style is a key predisposing factor, and observe that burnout is not limited by those in formal work. We argue that burnout is not synonymous with depression, overview biological underpinnings, and summarise a three-fold management model.

Conclusion:

As many burnout patients are referred to psychiatrists, awareness of its symptom pattern and management nuances is of key importance.