Defining, differentiating, and diagnosing burnout: Contributing to a critical debate

ObjectivesThe nosological status of burnout has been a topic of critical debate since its inception as a psychological phenomenon in the 1970s. It was sought here to narratively review current literature regarding burnout's definition, differentiation from depression, and diagnostic status, including Parker's contribution to this field.ConclusionBurnout was originally defined as being comprised of emotional exhaustion, empathy loss, and reduced professional accomplishment. More recent research suggests other symptoms, such as cognitive dysfunction and emotional withdrawal/distancing, may also be important components of the syndrome. There are mixed findings regarding the degree of overlap between burnout and depression. However, research by Parker and others provides preliminary evidence that the overlap is stronger when considering non-melancholic compared to melancholic depression. Finally, while its current diagnostic status is ambiguous, diagnostic criteria covering (paid or unpaid) work-based causes, multiple key symptoms, and consideration of other confounding conditions, have been proposed. Such criteria may allow for the clinical distress caused by burnout to be acknowledged, while reducing the chance of over-diagnosis.