How is depression different from burnout?
A burnout syndrome has a relatively clearly identifiable cause in most cases. The most susceptible to a burnout syndrome are people who have high expectations of themselves, who perform well in their jobs and who do not admit to being overtaxed at first, but always go beyond their performance limits. Certain occupational groups are particularly susceptible to the development of a burnout syndrome.
On the one hand the social occupational groups (nurses, doctors, teachers) and also police officers, as their work demands a lot emotionally and extreme interpersonal situations often occur. On the other hand, people in leading positions are often affected, who always perform excessively and from whom more is still expected. The big difference between burnout syndrome and depression is therefore the trigger.
In many cases there is no trigger to be found for depression, it often arises from within and without a specific trigger from outside. The burnout syndrome, on the other hand, clearly has a combination of constant stress at work, lack of professional recognition and overwork as triggering factors in most cases. Another difference is that a burnout syndrome often develops insidiously over months to years.
Depression, on the other hand, quickly reveals the symptoms in a pronounced form. There are also differences in treatment. While the success of drug treatment with antidepressants is known in depression, there are no strategies for drug treatment in burnout syndrome. Probably also because the solution seems to be obvious in the case of a burnout syndrome: the affected person must change his or her behaviour and demands on himself or herself and learn to take care of himself or herself. In the case of depression, however, which has no external trigger, such a strategy cannot be developed.
Which doctor treats depression and burnout?
As a rule, a psychiatrist and/or psychologist should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, at least at the beginning. It must first be decided whether drug and/or psychotherapeutic therapy is necessary. In many cases, depression also requires inpatient treatment in a psychiatric ward.
Especially in the beginning, depending on the symptoms, the risk of the affected person harming himself or herself can be high. In addition, the medication is easier to take when the patient is in inpatient treatment. A psychologist or psychiatrist should also be consulted if the burnout syndrome is pronounced.
Primarily to decide whether psychotherapeutic therapy is appropriate. However, as a rule the family doctor can serve as the first point of contact for both diseases. He can initiate the first diagnostic steps and decide how to proceed. This could also be interesting for you: How can depression be prevented?
Can a burnout turn into a depression?
The burnout syndrome is a stressful illness for those affected. Nevertheless, as already mentioned above, the main danger of the burnout syndrome is that it becomes more acute and eventually turns into depression. This happens especially when the affected persons do not pull the handbrake and continue to work despite their symptoms without seeing a doctor or taking time out.
Measures should be taken to prevent the transition of a burnout syndrome into depression. The first step can be to consult your family doctor.
