Burnout phenomenon: neurophysiological factors, clinical features, and aspects of management

Abstract

Burnout syndrome is a distinct “occupational phenomenon” rather than a medical condition, comprising emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and cognitive weariness. Both exogenous work-related and endogenous personal factors determine the extent and the severity of symptoms in burnout syndrome. Persistent burnout is a cause of reduced quality of life and is associated with increased risk of sleep impairment and with several medical disorders including mild cognitive impairment, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Active coping strategies promoting mental resilience and adaptive behavior, stress-reducing activities, improving work conditions, and reducing exposure to work stressors together may alleviate the distress of burnout and should be introduced early in the clinical course of burnout syndrome. The purpose of this review was to explain this complex and puzzling phenomenon and to describe burnout management.