Depression Vs. Burnout

Depression and burnout are one-and-the-same in the minds of many. While the two have some symptoms in common, depression and burnout are two different conditions with different prognosis. Depression is a clinically-diagnosed mood disorder. Burnout is a stress-induced state. While they are separate conditions, individuals experiencing prolonged, unrelieved burnout, run the risk of developing depression.

Definition

• Clinically diagnosed depression is a mood disorder in which an individual cannot experience pleasure. Depression sufferers experience intense sadness. In contrast, burnout is a state in which an individual has feelings of exhaustion often combined with doubts about personal ability and self-worth.

Symptoms

• Depression is often characterized by hopelessness, fatigue, insomnia, disinterest, withdrawal and recurrent thoughts of death. Burnout has some similar symptoms, including fatigue and withdrawal, but is distinguished by feelings of failure, self-doubt and helplessness.

Factors

• Clinically diagnosed depression can have a number of contributing factors, including chronic illness, genetic predisposition, and environmental elements. Burnout has been tied to overwhelming and extended stress, often resulting from job strain and other high-demand work and life situations.

Treatment

• Individuals with clinically diagnosed depression are often treated with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Individuals experiencing burnout may often just need to make stress management and lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms.

Prognosis

• Clinically diagnosed depression usually occurs in episodes that can last anywhere from a few weeks to months. Depressed individuals may experience four or more episodes in their lifetime. Burnout, in contrast, ends when the individual implements positive lifestyle changes.