Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Study explores ways of identifying burnout
By Staff Writer
An individual who is experiencing burnout is at risk for developing physical and psychological conditions, such as anxiety and clinical depression. New research shows that samples of one's blood and spit may reveal if an individual has reached the point of exhaustion.
The researchers behind a recent pilot study hypothesized that healthy workers with chronic stress who displayed symptoms of mild burnout would have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Individuals suffering from depression often have higher levels of this hormone, while there are lower amounts in cases of burnout. Blood and saliva samples may provide information on an individuals' cortisol levels.
Burnout symptoms often overlap with those of depression, according to the researchers. Due to this, individuals suffering from this form of exhaustion often receive medication used for depression treatment to lower cortisol levels. This, however, could have negative effects if the amount of the hormone in one's body is already low to begin with.
Based on the researchers' findings, more studies are needed to see if lower cortisol levels truly point to burnout. This confirmation might lead to better methods of preventing this condition from taking its toll on individuals.
People suffering from depression or exhaustion may want to seek treatment from a mental health and drug rehab facility.
