Burnout is a feeling of constant tiredness or weakness, which can cause physical or mental symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, memory failure, lack of sexual appetite or body aches.
Burnout can be caused by factors such as stress, anemia, use of certain medications, depression or sleep apnea, for example, and can occur in adults and children.
In the presence of symptoms indicative of burnout, it is important to consult a general practitioner or psychiatrist so that the possible causes can be identified and appropriate treatment can be initiated, which includes lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and the use of medication.
Main symptoms
The main physical and mental symptoms of burnout are:
- Mental fatigue and headache;
- Muscle weakness and body aches;
- Irritability, bad mood and discouragement;
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping;
- Palpitations;
- Loss of appetite;
- Blurry vision;
- Memory failures and difficulty concentrating;
- Decreased libido;
- Sadness and anguish;
Furthermore, burnout can also cause low immunity and reduced productivity at home, work or studies, for example.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of burnout must be made by a general practitioner or psychiatrist, through physical examinations, assessment of symptoms, health history and the person’s lifestyle.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also order blood, urine, and imaging tests or polysomnography, which is an exam used to analyze sleep quality and diagnose sleep-related illnesses. See how polysomnography is done.
Make an appointment with the nearest doctor, using the following tool, to assess the possibility of burnout and thus initiate the best treatment:
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Causes of the scam
Burnout can be caused by psychological, health or behavioral factors, such as:
- behavioral factors, such as sleeping few hours, alcohol or drug consumption, sedentary lifestyle or excessive physical activity, and inadequate nutrition;
- health factors, such as anemia, cancer, obesity, COVID-19, sleep apnea, or the use of medications such as diuretics, antihistamines and anxiolytics;
- Psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, stress and grief;
Furthermore, burnout can also be caused by work-related situations, such as night shifts, intense workload, bullying or conflicts in the workplace and a very hot or noisy work environment, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for burnout varies depending on the cause of this condition, and may include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and the use of medication.
1. Change in lifestyle
Some lifestyle changes that help combat burnout are:
- Maintain a healthy and varied diet, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and water;
- Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana;
- Practice physical exercise regularly, such as walking, swimming and dancing.
In addition, relaxing activities such as yoga, stretching and meditation are also recommended to treat fatigue. Check out other activities that help you relax.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that consists of improving thoughts about certain situations, and may be indicated for treating burnout in some people. Understand better what cognitive behavioral therapy is like.
3. Medicines
Some medications that may be recommended by your doctor to combat burnout, and which vary depending on the cause of this condition, are anxiolytics, such as bromazepam and diazepam, and antidepressants, such as sertraline or fluoxetine.
Furthermore, some natural remedies that may also be indicated for treating this condition include ginseng, Peruvian maca, chamomile and lemon balm.
