Burnout of therapists: inevitable or preventable?

The burnout syndrome is defined as a feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion coupled with a sense of frustration and failure. The common behavioral manifestations of burnout are described and possible antecedents detailed, including unrealistic goal setting and work overload. Mechanisms for coping with or preventing burnout are discussed and grouped into organizational and personal responses. Among these are recognition of the problem, reduction of overload, and acceptance of the fact that not all patients return to normal function.