12-phase progression
Various authors have divided the burnout syndrome into twelve phases, but these do not have to occur in exactly this order. – The urge for recognition is very strong. The resulting exaggerated ambition leads to excessive demands, as too high goals are set.
- It manifests itself through an exaggerated willingness to perform, which is why hardly any tasks are given to others. Thus, there is no reduction in workload, but rather a work load. – The own basic needs are faded out.
Sleep, rest and regeneration hardly take place. Instead, the increased consumption of coffee, alcohol and nicotine takes its place. – Warning signals of excessive demands are faded out and more and more mistakes creep in.
- The own environment is perceived as distorted. Contact with family and friends is reduced, as it is increasingly perceived as stressful. Often the partners of those affected suffer.
- Physical symptoms such as anxiety, headaches and tiredness occur here. However, these signs are skillfully ignored. – It is the phase of withdrawal.
The positive feelings are largely suppressed by excessive demands and hopelessness. Alcohol and medication are consumed more often. The social environment is almost completely ignored.
- Critical incapacity is the main characteristic in this phase. It is completely rejected and perceived as an attack against oneself. As a result, the affected person withdraws more and more.
- The phase of alienation begins when one perceives oneself as different, as automated, and has the feeling of no longer having any free will of one’s own. – The everyday life of the person affected is determined by exhaustion and discouragement. In addition, panic attacks occur frequently.
Eating orgies or increased alcohol and the like are supposed to suppress the problems. – Depressed mood, lack of drive and interest are the main signs of depression and occur in this section. – The total exhaustion shows itself. The immune system is reduced by the ongoing stress, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal disorders increases. In addition, the risk of suicide increases and is highest in this phase.
Diagnosis
Often the preliminary suspected diagnosis of “burnout” is made by the family doctor treating the patient, who in many cases is initially consulted on the basis of the physical symptoms, such as headaches and back pain or increasing fatigue. After the exclusion of an organic cause and the corresponding social anamnesis (collection of information regarding the economic, social, family, psychological and work situation of the patient), a referral to a specialist in psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine or a psychologist is then made, who is ultimately able to make the diagnosis of “burn-out syndrome” through discussions and possible further physical examinations. Because the symptoms are so varied and often vary greatly from patient to patient, it can sometimes take a long time to establish the final diagnosis.
It should be noted, however, that the term “burn-out” is often used by patients as a euphemism for other psychiatric disorders. The fad “burn out” seems to be more socially accepted than, for example, depression.