• Stress
• Anxiety

Burnout vs. Depression: What's the Difference?

Medically reviewed and edited by Dr. Anthony Puopolo

Burnout and depression share symptoms like exhaustion, feelings of emptiness, and difficulty coping. This can make it hard to distinguish between the two. Misidentifying one for the other can delay the right treatment. Therefore, understanding the key differences and their connection is crucial.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. 

Common causes of burnout are work-related stress due to demanding job roles or toxic work environments and excessive workloads – such as long hours and unrealistic deadlines. Burnout often results in reduced personal accomplishment and depersonalization – where individuals feel detached from their work and colleagues. 

Symptoms of burnout include:

• Exhaustion: Persistent feelings of being emotionally drained and physically depleted

• Alienation from activities: Growing cynicism and frustration towards work and colleagues, leading to emotional detachment and numbness

• Reduced performance: A noticeable decline in productivity and efficiency at work or home, with difficulties in concentrating, managing responsibilities, and being creative

• Feelings of self-doubt: Persistent feelings of helplessness, defeat, and failure, accompanied by a sense of isolation and loss of purpose

• Physical health decline: Severe fatigue and a lack of energy, frequent illnesses, body aches, recurring headaches, loss of appetite, and insomnia

Understanding Depression 

Depression is a common and serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. 

Common causes of depression are genetics (a family history of depression), biological factors (such as imbalances in brain chemicals), psychological patterns such as low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, and exposure to trauma and abuse.

Symptoms of depression include:  

• Persistent sadness: Continuous feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Loss of interest: Disinterest in hobbies, activities, or social interactions once found enjoyable

• Changes in appetite: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits

• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia)

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy, even with adequate rest

• Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering details

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Excessive guilt, self-blame, or feelings of inadequacy

• Physical symptoms: Unexplained aches, pains, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause

• Thoughts of death or suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts

Types of depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD): Characterized by severe symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as work, sleep, study, and eating.

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Also known as dysthymia, a chronic form of depression with symptoms lasting for at least two years but may be less severe than MDD.

Bipolar disorder: Includes episodes of depression and mania/hypomania, with mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs

Postpartum depression: Depression that occurs after childbirth, affecting a mother's ability to care for her baby and handle daily tasks

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression related to changes in seasons, typically occurring during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight

Psychotic depression: Severe depression accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations

Key Differences Between Burnout and Depression

Burnout typically develops gradually over time and is usually related to the workplace. The progression can often be linked to prolonged stressors in one's job or specific duties. Although burnout primarily affects work, it can also  spill over into personal life and cause social withdrawal and irritability. Removing the source of stress may make individuals feel better. 

Depression has been known to come about suddenly, though it can also develop gradually. The onset of depression may be triggered by a specific event, but it generally impacts overall daily functioning, impacting personal, social, and professional aspects of life. 

Those who experience depression may struggle with maintaining relationships, performing daily tasks, and engaging in activities they once enjoyed. Depression often leads to significant impairment in overall life satisfaction and day-to-day operations.

Although emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms of depression and burnout are similar,  there are slight differences:

Similarities Between Burnout and Depression

Even though depression and burnout are two different things, they share a lot of symptoms. These may include:

• Fatigue: Both depression and burnout can cause profound fatigue. Individuals may feel persistently tired and lack the energy to engage in daily activities.

• Decreased motivation: A significant decrease in motivation is common in both conditions. This may manifest as a lack of interest in work (burnout) or a lack of interest in all activities, including hobbies and social interactions (depression).

• Sleep disturbances: Sleep problems are frequent in both burnout and depression. People with burnout might have trouble sleeping due to stress, while those with depression may experience insomnia or excessive sleeping.

• Cognitive issues: Concentration difficulties, indecisiveness, and reduced productivity can occur in both burnout and depression. These cognitive impairments affect the ability to complete tasks efficiently and make decisions.

• Emotional distress: Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and emotional numbness can be present in both conditions. Emotional exhaustion is a key feature of burnout, while depression involves a broader range of emotional disturbances, including deep sadness and hopelessness.

The overlap in symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis, where burnout might be mistaken for depression or reverse. Misdiagnosis may result in inappropriate treatment and prolonged suffering.

For instance, treating burnout with only antidepressants might not address the root cause related to work stress, and assuming depression is just burnout might delay essential psychiatric treatment.

Accurate diagnosis is important for effective treatment. Healthcare professionals should conduct comprehensive evaluations, considering the context of symptoms, their duration, and their impact on various life areas. Tools like the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and depression scales (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory) can help differentiate burnout and depression.

It’s also important to gather a detailed history – including work-related stressors, personal life challenges, and mental health history – to form a complete picture of the individual. 

Clinical interviews with self-report questionnaires and consultations with mental health professionals are necessary for accurate diagnosis. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to adjust for any changes in symptoms and circumstances, as well.

Can Burnout Cause Depression?

Burnout and depression share several overlapping symptoms and can be interconnected. 

Everyone who experiences burnout does not have depression. However, research suggests that people who are exposed to high psychological job demands – such as excessive workload and intense time pressures – have twice the risk of developing major depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Longitudinal studies showed that high-demand jobs were associated with the onset of new depression and anxiety disorders in individuals who had no previous diagnosis or treatment for these conditions.

Studies have also found that burnout causes an increase in depressive symptoms over time. A study on Irish hospital consultants found that high levels of burnout – particularly emotional exhaustion and cynicism – were significantly associated with elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

While burnout is an occupational phenomenon, its symptoms often overlap with those of depression – such as feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. These findings underscore the importance of addressing burnout to prevent the onset or worsening of depressive symptoms in workers. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for burnout.

Diagnosis: Burnout vs. Depression

Diagnosing and treating burnout or depression involves a multifaceted approach that includes tools and criteria for accurate diagnosis and a range of treatment options. 

Burnout 

Diagnosis of burnout often involves identifying different criteria – such as chronic work-related stress, emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of reduced professional efficacy.

Tools that are used to diagnose burnout may include:

• Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI): The MBI is a widely used tool to assess burnout. It measures three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment.

• Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI): This inventory evaluates burnout across three domains: personal burnout, work-related burnout, and client-related burnout.

• Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT): The BAT assesses various dimensions of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, disengagement, and reduced performance.

Depression 

Depression is diagnosed based on persistent core symptoms – such as persistent sadness or loss of interest along with additional symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep, and concentration.

Tools that are used to diagnose depression include:

• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): This self-reported questionnaire assesses the severity of depression.

• Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a brief self-report tool used to screen for and measure the severity of depression

Treatment: Burnout vs. Depression

Stress management and lifestyle changes may be helpful in treating both burnout and depression. These may include:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and improve mood

• Mindfulness and meditation: Practices such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can enhance emotional regulation and reduce stress

• Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet supports overall well-being and energy levels

• Sleep hygiene: Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can improve resilience to stress

• Counseling: Engaging in regular counseling sessions can provide valuable support for managing stress, gaining insights into personal challenges, and developing effective coping strategies.

Treating burnout

When it comes to treating burnout, counseling and support are also helpful. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other counseling methods can assist individuals in developing coping strategies and addressing work-related stress. Joining support groups can also provide emotional support and practical advice from others experiencing similar challenges at work.

Treating depression

For the treatment of depression, medication may be necessary. Medications  may include antidepressants – such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – and other classes of antidepressants commonly prescribed to help balance brain chemicals and improve mood.

Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor effectiveness and adjust dosages if necessary.

Psychotherapy may also be necessary and can include the following approaches:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving communication skills and resolving interpersonal issues that may contribute to depression.

• Psychodynamic therapy: This therapy explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence current behavior and mood.

When to Seek Help

Professional help is necessary if individuals experience:

• Persistent feelings of overwhelm: Feeling consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to cope with daily tasks despite trying various coping strategies.

• Severe emotional distress: Experiencing intense emotions like hopelessness, deep sadness, or persistent anxiety that interfere with daily functioning.

• Significant changes in behavior: Notable changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social interactions, changes in work performance, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

• Physical symptoms: Persistent physical symptoms like chronic fatigue, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues that don’t improve with time.

• Suicidal thoughts: Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide or engaging in behaviors that put oneself at risk.

• Inability to manage stress: Struggling to manage stress despite using self-care techniques and seeking support from friends and family.

• Decline in quality of life: Significant decline in personal relationships, job performance, or overall quality of life due to emotional or psychological difficulties.

Resources for Help

Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – Provides 24/7 support for individuals in crisis. 

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Offers free, 24/7 text support for those in crisis.

Support groups

• NAMI support groups: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups for mental health conditions. 

• Mental Health America (MHA): Offers resources and support for mental health issues, including local support groups.

• Meetup groups focused on work-life balance and stress reduction

• Work stress support groups 

Counseling services

Seeking professional help is a crucial step when facing significant emotional or psychological challenges. 

How Can LifeMD Help?

At LifeMD, your health is our priority. If you’re experiencing burnout symptoms, we can connect you with board-certified clinicians who may help you develop strategies to manage your stress and take control of your mental health. 

Make an appointment today to get started. 

Dr. Anthony Puopolo

Dr. Puopolo holds a B.A. in Biology from Tufts University, M.A. in Biology from Boston University, and Doctor of Medicine from the Boston University School of Medicine. He also completed a Family Medicine and Psychiatry residency program in the U.S. Army.

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