Division of labor or mental illness?

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Philosophy
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The precise definition and origins of burnout remain unclear despite its prevalence.
• Existing literature shows heterogeneity in burnout's causes, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria.
• The phenomenon of burnout is recognized, but its pathological entity requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the professional and social origins of burnout.
• To integrate philosophical analyses of work and modern society with scientific literature on burnout.

Main Methods:

• A review of scientific literature, initiated by Manguelinckx M.'s master thesis.
• Literature search conducted using Google Scholar, Discovery-libellule, PubMed, and Mediquality.
• Philosophical concepts from Karl Marx, Hannah Arendt, and Bernard Stiegler were utilized.

Main Results:

• Burnout definitions, causes, and symptoms are heterogeneous; exhaustion is often sufficient for diagnosis.
• Marx identified alienation in repetitive, imposed tasks; Arendt noted stereotypical work and ethical detachment.
• Modern society instrumentalizes individuals, digital technology erodes know-how, autonomy, and relationships.

Conclusions:

• Modern professional and social changes contribute to burnout's causes, risk factors, and symptoms.
• These changes negatively impact human fulfillment and well-being, suggesting a form of 'mistreatment'.
• Interdisciplinary approaches, including dialogue between psychiatry, social sciences, and political actors, are essential.