Depression and Burnout are health problems that have similar symptoms. But, despite this, these conditions have some particularities and, therefore, are classified differently by the World Health Organization.
Follow this article in full and understand better about the main differences between Depression and Burnout!
Depression and Burnout Are Not the Same Thing
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Burnout and Depression are different conditions. Mainly because Burnout is a work-related phenomenon, while depression is a chronic psychiatric illness capable of affecting people of different ages.
To better understand this distinction between Depression and Burnout, let's break down each of these problems separately. Look!
Burnout syndrome
A síndrome de burnout corresponde a uma condição que tem origem no ambiente de trabalho. Esse transtorno surge a partir de situações que envolvem estresse crônico, bem como podem afetar homens e mulheres. Entre os principais fatores que podem desencadear o burnout em um indivíduo, estão:
⦁ Excessive workload
⦁ Lack of recognition at work
⦁ Extreme tiredness
⦁ Overload of responsibilities
⦁ Value conflicts, among other factors.
Symptoms and Treatment
There are some signs that can show a picture of burnout. Are they:
⦁ Extreme physical and mental fatigue
⦁ Headaches very often
⦁ Change in appetite (eating too little or too much)
⦁ Insomnia
⦁ Difficulty concentrating
The treatment of burnout is usually done through psychotherapy with the intervention of psychologists and psychiatrists. In addition to the use of medication, treatment also consists of modifying the working conditions that led to burnout.
Depression
Depression is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects people of all ages, men and women. According to the WHO, more than 300 million people suffer from this problem worldwide.
Depression can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Even the most serious frames of this condition can even lead to suicide.
Factors that trigger depression are usually genetic predisposition, as well as traumatic events and chronic stress. But there are others that, like the ones already mentioned, cause a decrease in serotonin levels in the brain.
Symptoms and treatment
Symptoms of depression are very similar to those of bornout syndrome and include:
⦁ Loss of interest even in activities that were previously pleasurable
⦁ Irritability
⦁ Sleep disorders
⦁ Feeling tired
⦁ Difficulty concentrating
⦁ apathy
The treatment of depression is basically divided into levels. Milder cases can be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapies or interpersonal psychotherapy. Meanwhile, in the most severe cases, treatment with medication is more effective.
What's the difference between Depression and Burn Out?
As you can see, the symptoms of these two health conditions are similar. Which causes Depression and Burnout to be misdiagnosed in many cases. But, there are some specific factors linked to burnout that help in detecting this condition.
The condition of extreme tiredness and exhaustion that does not resolve even with vacations or with leaves is one of them. Lack of interest in work, as well as a feeling of incompetence are also factors that are directly associated with burnout.
Therefore, it is clear that Depression and Burnout are disorders that differ in several aspects. While Burnout is a syndrome that results from chronic stress originating in the workplace, depression is a chronic psychiatric illness that affects people of all ages and does not have a specific origin.
In any case, if you experience any of the symptoms described above, it is best to seek medical help. Only in this way is it possible to obtain a more detailed assessment, which can guarantee an adequate diagnosis and treatments!
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