Being Burned Out

Authors:

Juliane Baar, BSc

Patricia Hamminger, BSc

Emir Karadza, BSc

Petra Kubala, BSc

Karin Maria Olek, BSc

Hand-in date: 15.06.2012

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Table of Contents 1 Personal comments .................................................................................. 4

1.1 Juliane Baar ...................................................................................... 4

1.2 Patricia Hamminger ........................................................................... 4

1.3 Emir Karadza .................................................................................... 4

1.4 Petra Kubala ..................................................................................... 5

1.5 Karin Maria Olek ................................................................................ 5

2 Abstract ................................................................................................. 6

3 Introduction ............................................................................................ 6

3.1 Career of the term “burnout” .............................................................. 6

3.2 A generally accepted burnout-model? .................................................. 7

3.3 Today’s burnout trends ...................................................................... 8

4 Material and Methods ............................................................................. 10

5 Results ................................................................................................. 10

5.1 Analysis of questionnaire data ........................................................... 10

5.2 Interviews with experts .................................................................... 19

5.2.1 Interview with Dr. Georg Wögerbauer and Sigrid Wögerbauer,

28.1.2012............................................................................................. 19

5.2.2 Interview with Dr. Peter Kubala, 22.02.2012 ................................ 21

5.2.3 Interview with Dipl. Bw. Karin Tara Peer, 27.02.2012 .................... 22

5.2.4 Interview with Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Lalouschek, 6.3.2012 ........ 23

5.2.5 Interview with Mag. Regina Swoboda, 14.03.2012 ......................... 26

5.3 View on burnout by the Central Association of Austrian Social Insurance

Authorities ............................................................................................... 29

6 Discussion ............................................................................................ 31

7 Summary ............................................................................................. 34

8 Annex .................................................................................................. 35

8.1 Questionnaire results ....................................................................... 35

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8.2 Questionnaire for the „Science and Society“ project on the topic burnout 57

8.3 Locations questionnaires were distributed ........................................... 59

8.4 Outline of division of labour .............................................................. 59

8.5 Timetable ....................................................................................... 60

8.6 Poster ............................................................................................ 62

8.7 Presentation ................................................................................... 63

9 References ............................................................................................ 65

10 Declaration ........................................................................................ 66

11 Acknowledgements ............................................................................. 67

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1 Personal comments

1.1 Juliane Baar

In the beginning of the Science and Society project for my group members and me

the goal of the topic burnout was unclear. After some literature research it soon

became clear that the topic was very multidimensional and even experts had

different views about it. Because of this and the different opinions of the group

members we were not able to actually find a conclusion for a long time.

Nevertheless we were able to finish the project successfully. I learned from this

project that a good organisation is essential even if it seems during non stressful

times a bit over-motivated. But in the end it is worth it. The work related to

performing and analysing questionnaires really should not be underestimated.

Considering the topic burnout itself it would be positive to raise awareness of the

risks and dangers of burnout and to establish prevention campaigns.

1.2 Patricia Hamminger

Burnout as a topic for the Science and Society project was initially one of the

suggestions I didn´t want to work on which resulted in my personal low within the

project. After having discussed possible topics, I found that there were more

interesting ones with the potential of more surprising or interesting outcomes. I

expected to not find much scientific literature on the topic concerning neuroscience

and signal molecules/ effectors, which turned out to be true. The little information

we gained on that matter was the most interesting one for me compared to the

psychological facts and opinions, which are very diverse. The drive that still made

me work on the project was the motivation to fulfill tasks within given deadlines in

order to keep up a good working climate within the team which in fact was very

convenient and professional throughout the project. Therefore, concerning our

project management, I could not list any major improvements for future projects.

Concerning the future of burnout I am adopting a reserved attitude. I agree on the

importance for information and prevention campaigns, but do not see a future

within natural scientific research.

1.3 Emir Karadza

From my point of view the project work was a nice experience and trained the

students once more how to work in a team. I think the main point why our project

was successful, in addition to the good team work, was our good time

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management. All tasks were finished on time and were done early enough to avoid

stress concerning other university related courses and tests. For me the biggest

achievements in this project were collecting interview experience and designing the

poster for the final project presentation. In the beginning the chosen topic did not

really appeal to me because I did not bear upon it personally. Preparing and

conducting the interview raised the interest and my awareness on this topic. I think

that the dangers of burnout should not be underestimated in our society and that

much more should be done concerning burnout prophylaxis, to avoid the high

prevalence.

1.4 Petra Kubala

Our Science and Society Project showed and taught me that planning is the key to

success and highly simplifies work. Two personal lows during the project were

finding experts for interviews and learning to use the statistical programme PSPP. A

special high for all of us, I believe, was when "Sonnentor" agreed on being a

sponsor. But also coming closer and closer to an end after several months of work

was extremely satisfying.

Overall, our project was well-planned, -structured and the labour was divided more

or less equally. However, next time my team and I should spend more time on

choosing the topic and especially get aware of which aims the project should have

and what we want to achieve. We kind of lost our aims and were constantly looking

for a better one because we were not satisfied with the original aim "collecting and

summarising data". Yet, I am of the opinion that we did a pretty good job.

For the future I personally would not only appreciate Burnout's declaration as an

officially recognized disease but also the introduction of stress seminars in

companies, where employees can learn their way to handle stress and crisis

situations and thereby to prevent being burned out.

1.5 Karin Maria Olek

At the beginning of our “Science and Society Project” I had the feeling that the

whole group was confused about what our actual aims are. This confusion has last

for some weeks, until we brainstormed and declared our aims on paper. It was not

easy to get aware of the outcome of this project, because initially we had no clue

about how much of our ideas and visions we will be able to realize. Several months

later we finished our project successfully. I am proud of my group, because most of

the time they invested a lot of energy into the project, although motivation

sometimes seemed to be lacking during stressful times. During the last months I

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have discovered not only new strengths and weaknesses in myself, but also in all

the other members in my group. Nevertheless we learned lessons for future

projects, for example: Questionnaire participants are hard to find. What I would

recommend future groups is to create an online survey instead of hard copies,

because this approach seems to be more economic, as time can be saved, and

more ecological, as paper and printer ink are omitted.

2 Abstract

A multitude of definitions for the term "burnout syndrome" are in use and at the

same time highly discussed. However, no general definition has been accepted. This

study aims, on the one hand to identify the level of information among the general

population concerning the topic and on the other hand to evaluate the

professionals' positions on the subject. Therefore, questionnaires were distributed

among the populace and experts were interviewed.

In this work we show among other things that about 57% of the Viennese

population tested do not regard burnout as a taboo issue in Austria and more than

80% of the people surveyed believe that burnout is a disease of the performance-

oriented society. Almost 80% of the people who suffered from burnout do not feel

well informed on the topic. For the vast majority of cases no statistical significance

could be shown due to the number of participants.

The opinions of interviewed professionals differed relating to the separation of

burnout from depression and the need to acknowledge burnout as a disease.

Therefore, we suggest the introduction of information campaigns and preventive

measures, as approximately 10% of the Austrian population is affected by burnout

syndrome.

3 Introduction

3.1 Career of the term “burnout”

The first documentation of Burnout can probably be found in the Old Testament,

Book of the Kings 19-4, in which Elias, after numerous successes halted by a

threatening defeat, experiences deep desperation followed by falling into a deep

sleep.

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In his novel Buddenbrooks (1901) Thomas Mann explicitly describes the condition

of the senator Thomas Buddenbrook where distinct burnout symptoms such as

fatigue, dolefulness, lack of interest and at the same time the inner responsibility to

represent oneself dignified in public, can be recognized.

Those and numerous additional bibliographies were known prior to the

popularization of the term “burnout” in 1974 by Freudenberger and Ginsburg.

(Freudenberger 1974; Ginsburg 1974)

A multitude of additional and more or less accepted definitions exist, where not a

single one seems to be appropriate because of either being too specific or

comprehensive. (Maslach 1982)

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems

10th Revision (ICD-10), published by the WHO, codifies burnout in chapter XXI

(Z00 – 99). Therein Z73 lists “problems related to life-management difficulty”,

where burnout is described as a “state of vital exhaustion” in section Z73.0.

The Z-Factors are “factors influencing health status and contact with health

services” and are therefore representing so called additional diagnoses meaning

that burnout itself does not account for a specific disease and therefore not for a

specific treatment. In contrast, autonomous diagnostic keys, such as Depression

(Chapter V, F32), allow for hospitalization and/or specific methods of treatment.

The ICD-10 description of burnout does not seem to be comprehensive at all, but

the mention of burnout itself indicates a certain level of acceptance though.

3.2 A generally accepted burnout-model?

As described above the combination of symptoms characteristic for burnout is

certainly not new. People have different causes for being burned-out, even within

an occupation group. It turns out to be challenging to define a general theory about

a syndrome, which varies between individuals. (Burisch 2010:147) The term

burnout does not even have an integrative definition. Since the 1970ies a multitude

of experts has written definitions, but until now there is no standard. (Rössner-

Fischer 2007:3) Burnout has more than 130 symptoms. (Baur; Schuler 2011) Three

different approaches are used to define burnout: an individually-centered, a social

and a working/organization-related approach. (Rössner-Fischer 2007:3)

A general burnout-model has to be independent of classifications, as profession or

gender. Burisch sees burnout actuated by a disturbed conflict between a person

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and its environment and the subsequent loss of autonomy. (Burisch 2010:148)

Harm/loss, threat and challenge include a loss of autonomy and are stress-triggers.

(Lazarus 2006:59 ff.) Burisch distinguishes between first-order stress, which is

triggered by threat and challenge (Burisch 2010:153), and second-order stress,

which means the helplessness in changing, avoiding or leaving a situation. (Burisch

2010:176)

During life, people set themselves varying goals and create incentives. Achievement

of an aim and the subsequent expected pleasure display a highlight. (Burisch

2010:157) The most frequent disturbances, which create disappointments, are

confounding of an aim, hindering of an aim, absence of gratification and negative

side effects. Depending on the success of one’s personal coping with this

disappointments, burnout can be developed or not. (Burisch 2010:162) Burisch

assumes that people who are burnout prone tend to make unrealistic plans, have

ambitious goals, underestimate effort and time requirement, overlook side effects

and overestimate chances of success. (Burisch 2010:181) Furthermore, burnout

patients have a low personal coping success, supposable because of a limited

repertoire of strategies. One promising strategy to cope with problems is the

analysis of the situation with a consultant. (Burisch 2010:189 f.)

However, two components have to converge for burnout development: A vulnerable

individual and an imperiling environment. (Burisch 2010:198) Maslach represents

the prevailing view, that the environment should be blamed for burnout. Many

people impute being self responsible for their situation, but individuals do not

account for his/her burnout. (Maslach 1997:34)

Currently, many analyses are based on cross-sectional studies, in which

questionnaires are correlated with different variables where the MBI (Maslach

Burnout Inventory) represents the “goldstandard” despite showing multiple

weaknesses. Therefore the empirical base of most studies concerning Burnout is

very weak. Burisch writes that these studies are not efficient. Furthermore he

proposes to accomplish longitudinal studies with a focus on individual cases.

(Burisch 2010:218)

3.3 Today’s burnout trends

Stress and fear in the workplace, strained relations between colleagues, a tense

atmosphere and the fear of unemployment are concomitant within our globalized

and performance-oriented society. (Baur; Schuler 2011) A present trend is the

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tendency of people to let organizations exploit them. (Burisch 2010:281 ff.)

Hyperactivity and the willingness to work extra hours for free could be first steps

towards burnout. For prevention, experts are recommending for example a clear

separation of work and leisure, learning to say “no” and realization of one’s own

performance limits. (KaM 2012:8)

Burisch describes eight therapies, which can be used against burnout: person-

centered therapy, logotherapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, transactional

analysis, gestalt therapy, psychodrama, guided effective imagery and bodywork

therapy. (Burisch 2010:302 ff.)

Since years, scientists have been trying to find biomarkers for the burnout

syndrome. In a 2011 published review Danhof-Pont and her colleagues analyzed

existing studies on biomarkers. Studies were performed on the hypothalamus-

pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, immune system, metabolic

processes, antioxidant defense, hormones, sleep, cortisol in saliva and blood, blood

pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, natural killer

cells, C-reactive protein, and prolactin. Methods used in these studies were strongly

varying, that is why comparison of results turned out to be nearly unfeasible.

(Danhof-Pont 2011)

Researchers in the German Primate Center are studying chronic psychosocial stress

in male tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri), as they proved to be valid animal models.

(Fuchs) After persistent overload of nerve connections degradation takes place and

signal conduction is decreased. In consequence, lack of concentration and memory

gaps appear. Continuous stress can permanently alter synapses. (Baur; Schuler

2011)

Recently, scientists from the University of Trier developed a test kit for stress

measurements. Biological signals, as Cortisol, are detected and referred to

psychological and physiological reactions, for an early detection of stress related

diseases. (Hellhammer)

Sleep laboratories are an important tool for early Burnout-diagnostics. It is a

possible burnout/Depression indicator, if sleep stages, in which we dream,

predominate. (Baur; Schuler 2011) Research on burnout syndrome is done by

researchers from different fields to gain new insights on the topic. However, more

interdisciplinary cooperation and burnout prevention within organizations should be

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considered. The economic loss because of burnout in Europe is estimated at more

than 100 billion Euros per year. (Baur; Schuler 2011)

4 Material and Methods

To introduce ourselves to the topic “Being burned out” several scientific papers as

well as books on the topic were read. A list of the literature research is found in

section 9 References.

An essential part of our project was the conduction of a survey. The aim of the

study was to collect data about the opinions of Viennese people to the issue

'burnout syndrome'. Therefore questionnaires (template see annex) were forwarded

to people in different locations around Vienna (locations see annex). Overall, 208

individuals were asked to fill in the questionnaires and the total was evaluated with

the statistical programme PSPP. The significance was tested using Pearson’s Chi-

Square Test. Unanswered/not evaluable questions are not included in the figures

but in the calculations (see Table 1-17).

The second part was gaining expert comments on the topic burnout syndrome. We

interviewed six different experts namely a psychotherapist, two physicians, a

neurologist and burnout coach, a burnout prophylaxis coach and a mental trainer.

5 Results

5.1 Analysis of questionnaire data

The results of the personal questions were as follows. 130 (62.5%) out of 208

questioned were female and 71 (34.1%) male, seven made no statement on their

gender. For 5.6% (4) of men and 9.2% (12) of women asked burnout has been

diagnosed (Table 1).

19 (9.1%) of 208 persons suffered from burnout once in their life. 177 (85.1%)

never had burnout and 12 (5.8%) made no comment if they ever had this

syndrome. Twelve (63.1%) of the burnout cases were female and 4 (21.0%) were

male, three (15.8%) made no comment considering their sex (Table 2).

136 (65.4%) of the questioned persons know at least one person who suffered

from burnout while 62 (29.8%) do not know anyone who suffered from burnout.

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Ten persons (4.8%) made no statement if they have any acquaintances with

burnout (Table 3).

33.2% (69) of the participants were aged between 15 and 25 and 22.1% (46) were

between 26 and 35 while only 18.3% (38) were 36 to 45 and 17.3% (36) were

between 46 and 55. The groups of people between 56 and 65 and over 65

consisted of only 4.8% (10) and 3.4% (7), respectively. Two persons (0.7%) did

not specify their age. Significantly the highest burnout rates were in the groups of

the 46-55-years-old, the persons aged 65+ and the 36-45-years-old with a

percentage of 19.4% (7), 14.3% (1) and 13.2% (5), respectively. 10% (1) of the

56-65 year-olds, 8.7% (4) of those between 26-35 and just 1.5% (1) of the group

15-25-years-old suffered from burnout syndrome (Figure 1, Table 4).

Figure 1 Burnout prevalence in different age groups. Burnout prevalence from highest to lowest: 46-55 years (19.4%), over 65 years (14.3%), 36-45 years (13.2%), 56-65 years (10.0%), 26-35 years (8.7%) and 15-25 years (1.5%)

Nearly half of the asked persons were employed (99 in total, 47.6%) and over a

fifth (47 in total, 22.6%) were students. The other professions were 7.2% freelance

(15), 4.8% pupils (10), 2.9% retirees (6), 2.4% housewife or househusband (5)

and 1.9% unemployed (4). Nine persons (4.3%) did not specify their profession

while 13 (6.3%) ticked more than one profession e.g. student and employee. Only

single professions were correlated with burnout, resulting in following non

significant burnout rates: 33.3% of the retirees (3), 25.0% of the unemployed (1),

20.0% of the freelancer (3) and 10.0% of the employees (10) while none of the

students and pupils suffered from burnout (Table 5).

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74 persons (35.6%) had a general qualification for university entrance, 61 (29.3%)

held a university degree, 37 (17.8%) had an apprenticeship degree, 13 (6.3%) had

a certificate of secondary education and just three (1.4%) only finished compulsory

school. But 14 (6.7%) did not specify their highest degree and for six persons

(2.9%) the separation of the given degrees was not applicable. 33.0% of those with

compulsory education (1), 32.1% with a certificate of secondary education (3),

10.8% with an apprenticeship degree (4), 8.1% with a general qualification for

university entrance (6) and 4.9% with an university degree (3) suffered from

burnout. None of the above mentioned correlations were significant.

Seven questions were statements on the topic burnout. The interviewees were

asked to choose the degree of agreement on these topics. The investigation showed

that 56.7% of the people asked do not believe that Burnout syndrome is a taboo

issue in Austria, yet 42.8% regard Burnout as one. Also when correlating the data

with certain groups as male, female, acquaintances with or without burnout and

own affection of burnout the results are very similar (Table 10). Additionally two

thirds (63.1%) would more or less openly talk about burnout syndrome (Figure 2).

The data is very similar in the correlation groups. But those suffering from burnout

had a significant higher agreement. In this group roughly 79.0% would more or

less talk openly about it and 52.6% would definitely talk openly about the

syndrome (Table 15).

Figure 2 Percentage distribution of the question "I would openly talk about burnout syndrome to my surroundings if I was suffering from symptoms such as the feeling of being overburdened." Percentage distribution from 'totally agrees' to 'totally

disagrees'.

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Moreover, burnout symptom is often referred as a disease of the performance-

oriented society. The analysis has confirmed this; more than 80.0% of the people

surveyed share this opinion (Figure 3). Not even 1.0% believes this is definitely not

the case. There is no significant variability in the answers of the correlation groups

detectable (Table 11). In addition, more than 85.0% think that burnout is no

excuse for the lack of willingness to work (Figure 4, Table 13).

Figure 3 Percentage distribution of the question "I believe burnout is a disease of the performance-oriented society." Percentage distribution from 'totally agrees' to 'totally disagrees'.

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Figure 4 Percentage distribution of the question "Burnout is an excuse for the lack of willingness to work". Percentage distribution from 'totally agrees' to 'totally

disagrees'.

No significant trend could be identified for answering the question "Is the chance of

self-realisation and individualisation a risk of developing burnout syndrome?" (Table

14). Opinions differ on this question in all groups.

Additionally people were asked if they think that the constantly growing

individualisation and personal responsibility can trigger burnout syndrome. On this

issue the public opinion was again divided (Table 12); no significant result could be

obtained in any group. The same was the case when asking individuals about

difficulties in seeking for and obtaining help when suffering from burnout as well as

the level of information about burnout syndrome. People consider seeking for help

neither simple nor difficult (Table 16) and feel unequally well informed about

burnout syndrome. Indeed, 78.9% of the people who suffered from burnout do not

feel well informed on the topic burnout (Table 17). The result was not significant.

The third part of the questionnaire covered multiple choice questions on the topics

burnout symptoms, contact persons or institutions if being affected and methods

for burnout prevention. It was also possible to add additional key words in the

section “others”. This option was significantly more frequently used by those

diagnosed with burnout.

The analysis showed that more than 65.0% of the people surveyed believe

depression is a symptom of burnout (Figure 5). The symptoms most frequently

named were emotional exhaustion (80.8%), listlessness (72.1%) and tiredness

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(69.2%). Only around 30.0% of the respondents claimed headaches, infections and

aggression as indication of burnout. The lack of drive, fears, physical problems such

as gastrointestinal trouble, insomnia and social withdrawal were repeatedly

mentioned in the section 'others'.

Figure 5 Percentage distribution of the question "Which symptoms indicate burnout syndrome from your point of view?" Percentage distribution of the symptoms 'depression', 'tiredness', 'emotional exhaustion', 'listlessness', 'lack of concentration', 'head aches', 'disinterest', 'infections', 'aggression' and 'other'.

In the comparison of the groups some differences were detectable although most

were not significant. Only 45.1% of the men believe that lack of interest is a

symptom of burnout while 58.5% of the women do so. Significantly more women

believe that more frequent infections are a symptom, 36.9% compared to 18.3%.

Only 68.4% of the people with burnout said that emotional exhaustion is one of the

symptoms while as much as 82.5% of those with burnout agreed that emotional

exhaustion is a symptom. But just 28.3% of the people without burnout believed

that aggression is a symptom while 47.4% who suffered from the disease

confirmed aggression as a symptom (Figure 6, Table 7).

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Figure 6 Percentage distribution of the question “Which symptoms indicate burnout syndrome from your point of view?” considering gender and burnout affected, respectively.

When considering the issue support (“People or institutions I would talk to about

burnout”) the vast majority would consult their family (68.3%), the family

physician (64.4%) and/or friends (59.6%) first (Figure 7). Only around a third

would seek advice at psychiatrists (29.3%) or psychosocial institutions (24.5%).

Between 10.0 to 15.0% would regard the employer (16.4%), colleagues at work

(14.0%) and/or self-help groups (13.0%) as a place to go. Not even 3.0% would

ask their pastor for help. Psychologists and Internet self-help groups/forums were

mentioned as additional options.

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Figure 7 Percentage distribution of the question "People or institutions I would contact if I had the feeling of suffering from burnout syndrome?" Percentage distribution of the support possibilities 'family', 'friends', 'family doctor', 'psychiatrist', 'self-help group', 'employer', 'colleagues at work', 'pastor', 'psychosocial institutions' and 'other'.

Women tend to seek help at a significant level preferably at the physician (70.8%)

while men preferably seek help with in the family and friends, 74.6% and 67.6%,

respectively. People who suffered from burnout had a higher tendency to go to

physicians and psychosocial institutions than those who never had burnout, 78.9%

and 61.02% 36.8% and 32.7% respectively (Table 8).

Figure 8 Percentage distribution of the question “People or institutions I will contact if I have the feeling to suffer from burnout syndrome” considering gender and burnout affected, respectively.

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To prevent and combat burnout people take different preventive measures and

programmes. More than the half of the respondents considers social contact

(55.8%), leisure activities (51.9%) and a healthy lifestyle (49.5%) as particularly

beneficial preventive measures. Indeed, around two thirds believe that minimising

stress (71.2%), sufficient sleep (67.8%) and a satisfying work place (62.0%)

positively contribute to prevent and treat burnout. Not even 7.0% regard a life

outside the city as a possibility to avoid the development of burnout syndrome.

Sporting activities, the right balance between private life and work, special

relaxation techniques and a keen awareness of a possible burnout syndrome were

named as possible preventive measures as well. 40.9% of men believe that humour

is a good preventive measure while not even a third of the women does (29.2%).

Nearly three-quarter of the burnout affected (73.7%) think that a satisfying

workplace is very important in burnout prevention and a bit less than two-third

(59.9%) of those without are of the same opinion. The delegation of responsibility

is not high in either of the groups but with 34.5% of the unaffected more than

twice as high as seen by those with burnout (15.8%) (Figure 9, Table 9). None of

the data was significant.

Figure 9 Percentage distribution of the question “Which preventive measures do

you think are there?” considering gender and burnout affected, respectively.

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5.2 Interviews with experts

5.2.1 Interview with Dr. Georg Wögerbauer and Sigrid Wögerbauer,

28.1.2012

The following article summarizes the interview and presents the most important

facts of the Wögerbauers' opinions to the issue burnout syndrome. Dr. Georg

Wögerbauer is a general practitioner (GP), psychotherapist and also practitioner for

psychosomatic medicine in the upper Waldviertel in Northern Austria. Together with

his wife Sigrid Wögerbauer - a psychotherapist - and the team he built up an

interdisciplinary doctor´s office for general medicine, preventive medicine,

psychotherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, physical therapy, coaching and

massage. In addition, Dr. Wögerbauer gives seminars in topics like stress

management and dietetics, burnout, prevention of drug addiction and many others.

Burnout is a clinical disease which is nowadays spreading in central Europe in an

epidemiological way. It reflects our social situation and is a disease with mental and

physical manifestations. It can also be described as a high degree of loneliness,

associated with depressions and fears transmitted to the body. By social situation

the high degree of individualisation is meant, contrary to communality. In particular

this means that nowadays everyone is responsible for them self and has to be more

successful than the others. The potential of community is being ignored. When you

are responsible for everything on your own it leads to fears. The counterpart of fear

is confidence, and when you are in a community you can confide and you are also

allowed to fail. One reason for the high burnout incidence is that we live in a society

where you are not allowed to fail, but in fact a lot of people fail.

Burnout syndrome has a lot of different symptoms and manifestations. The most

common symptoms are fears, panic attacks, disability of solving conflicts, increased

irritability, inefficiency at relationships and work. This leads to physical problems

like sleeping disorders, colitis, abnormal oestrus cycles, down regulated immune

system and higher prevalence of addiction. Burnout begins when you are already

caught so deep in the symptom loop that you do not have enough resources to

escape on your own. When you are not capable of handling this situation without

help from outside therapeutically intervention is essential.

Burnout has many differential diagnoses, for example chronic distress, psycho-

vegetative lability and exhaustion depression. Many people think that fear

associated diseases like depressions overlap with burnout. Depression and burnout

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overlap at approximately 90 % since the causes often are the same. One major

driving force of burnout is fear, the fear not to be seen, the fear of gaining too less

appreciation and the fear of failing in the end.

To diagnose burnout, it is very important to listen to the patient, to understand and

to reflect. It is a diagnosis that is composed of many symptoms, just like a puzzle.

Many patients visit the Wögerbauers because they think that they are already

affected from burnout or that they are right on the way.

The first thing to do is to bring the affected people in a situation where they are

accessible for therapy which normally is not the case in the beginning. The first

step is to build up a relationship towards the patient through talking and listening

to him or her. It is important that the patient has the feeling to be recognised and

understood. Thereafter the patient normally is ready to follow.

The next step is it to motivate the patient in a way to allow him or her to be led.

Patients affected from burnout want and have to be led because they think they

have to do everything on their own. When this motivation succeeds, a therapy with

psychopharmacological medicine like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)

can be started. These drugs act anxiolytic and insert a kind of filter, which gives the

patients the chance to exit the hamster wheel and to feel themselves and their

environment again, without changing their personality.

After 10 to 14 days the patients are accessible for psychotherapy which lasts about

6 to 12 months, whereas the treatment with SSRIs normally is finished after three

months. From the psychotherapeutical side of view it is essential to give the patient

their body awareness back. He/she has to come in contact with his/her body again

and to recognise what is going on. In addition, patients often learn relaxation

techniques.

The next and last step is it to investigate the primary causes which led to burnout.

Especially it has to be found out which performance expectations the patient has,

and to show him or her to which exhaustion these expectations have led. `How do I

cope with failures? Am I allowed to fail and what can I do to prevent failures?´ are

questions the patient has to ask him/herself thereby. These topics cost a lot of

energy but for the patients it is necessary to realize in which situation they are and

which therapeutic methods are an option for them to get back to life.

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One important burnout factor is stress, but stress within burnout has to be defined

at first. It can be distinguished between eustress, the good stress, and distress, the

bad stress. Examples for eustress are falling in love, good sex or an amazing

concert. Chronic distress for example comes up through performance expectations

the affected person is not able to achieve, what is a possible cause for burnout.

Therefore, distress is not separated from burnout; it is a pre-stage of it.

Burnout is diagnosed in many different occupational groups. Normally it is known

as a disease of managers and employees in the medical field like physicians and

nurses. Formerly burnout research was carried out among these groups because

they had the money to consult help and therapy. One main group of people with a

very high incidence of burnout definitely are single mothers. This group has not yet

been scientifically researched properly, although the prevalence of burnout is very

high.

5.2.2 Interview with Dr. Peter Kubala, 22.02.2012

"Burnout is the feeling to must always deliver performance; a process extending

over several years."

Physicians are often the first place to go when suffering from burnout syndrome, so

is Dr. Peter Kubala. He is searched for advice four to five times a year. Frequently

patients - often employed in the medical and caring sector or the IT industry -

conduct a self-diagnosis before, often wrongly.

„Currently 130 symptoms are known which can trigger burnout. Emotional

disturbances, irritableness, hyperactivity and a decline in performance are common

symptoms. Sleeping disturbances and panic attacks are the most severe", says Dr.

Kubala. „At this point medication has to start.“ Different drugs can be used to treat

the symptoms. Tranquilizer or hypnotics are often used. Nevertheless, an

accompanying psychotherapy is recommended.

Dr. Peter Kubala does not conduct diagnosis for burnout syndrome; when he

assumes burnout syndrome, patients are advised to meet experts (psychologists

etc.).

The evaluation of burnout is time-consuming and has to be carried out by a

specialist such as psychiatrists or neurologists. Tests assess the cognitive thinking,

fine motor skills and personality aspects. Psychologists are responsible for an

accompanying conversational therapy. With the help of specialists, patients can

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learn different methods to improve their lives; social competence, stress

management and emotional regulation are just three keywords which have to be

mentioned at that point. The healing process depends on the individual; it can last

between two to six months.

"The diagnosis of burnout often disburdens patients. Actually, they are even

pleased", states Dr. Peter Kubala. The doctor sees burnout as a chance to break the

taboo of depression diseases. "People with a burnout diagnosis are more likely to

draw pity from others and to be understood than patients suffering from

depression. They are more likely to talk about their problems." The problem with

evaluating burnout is the overlap between depression and burnout tests. "Burnout

is no kind of depression but often accompanied by one. The 'real' endogenous

depression lasts much longer than burnout. People suffer from loss of interest;

burnout patients have to deal with symptoms such as fatigue and exhaustion,

cynicism, feeling of being bullied at work and inefficiency. For these people work

has become more important than anything else. Indeed, they lose all social

contacts due to focusing on working life and job. Life resembles an upwardly

targeted spiral that finally breaks down."

From time to time Dr. Kubala himself feels burnt out as well; with the right balance

and the necessary relaxation phase, he knows how to prevent the development of

burnout though.

5.2.3 Interview with Dipl. Bw. Karin Tara Peer, 27.02.2012

“Burnout is an upward spiral, depression is a downward spiral.”

Ms. Peer, burnout prophylaxis coach, defines burnout as being physically,

psychologically and emotionally burned out. “I don’t mind how it is exactly called.”

For her, all that matters is that people who are burned out seek for help. The

headline of this problem is irrelevant for Ms. Peers work, although clients are

desirous to give their problem a name. However, a person who thinks he/she is

burned out and wants to deal with the problem surely has a reason.

When meeting a new client, Ms. Peer uses a questionnaire to ensure that he/she is

not suffering from depression, because the downshifting and burnout prophylaxis

coach does not offer appropriate training to treat that kind of disease. “As a coach,

I am exclusively acting on burnout prevention.” Ms. Peer helps people to shift down

and live leisurely, instead of living life in the fast lane, without looking around.

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According to Ms. Peer the question of burnout being a disease of the performance-

oriented society can neither be answered with a yes nor with a no. She considers

that we live in a choice-orientated society where people ask themselves “Am I

going the right way?”, “Have I done enough?” or “Have I made the right decision?”.

Today’s modern world has become complex. Ms. Peer notices that younger

generations manage this complexity and pressure much easier than older ones.

“Sensing of stress is personality-dependent.” Every person experiences stress in a

different way, the burnout prophylaxis coach says. Some people do not let pressure

get on them; those will never suffer from burnout. Others in contrast are not stress

resistant. “In principle, pressure is built up by the individual itself.” Ms. Peer meets

many people who undervalue their needs and do not recognize the quality and

importance of their work.

Ms. Peer holds the view that burnout is not profession-related. However, she

reports, that some managers for example consider burnout as a form of status

symbol. People in higher positions frequently think that not being burned out

means not having worked properly.

Being burned out is more appreciated by the society than having a depression, Ms.

Peer tells us during the interview. Many depression patients can be caught under

the guise of burnout, if they are filtered out. The main point is the acceptance of

help and support.

Ms. Peer started offering downshifting and burnout prophylaxis due to her personal

experiences with stress-coping and because of having dealt with this topic in detail

during her final exam.

5.2.4 Interview with Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Lalouschek, 6.3.2012

The neurologist Dr. Lalouschek works as a doctor and a coach at an interdisciplinary

health centre for stress management and burnout called “the tree” in Vienna which

he also founded. The multidisciplinarity of the centre helps to provide the individual

treatment mixture for each patient. So there is not only medical and

psychotherapeutically treatment offered but also body oriented methods as well as

coaching and solution oriented mentoring is available.

The coach defines burnout as a syndrome which is a combination of several

symptoms. For him the key symptoms are emotional exhaustion, decrease in the

efficiency, dehumanisation and a general negative attitude even cynicism. These

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symptoms develop due to a long time of being overburdened with work and duties.

This state of being overburdened for a long time is also the main difference to a

depression or normal stress. Normal stress occurs only over a short time and

people just need a short pause. A depression can also occur without being

overworked at all and is often recitative.

The neurologist believes that a generally accepted definition is very important

otherwise the term burnout can be misused easily by people who just do not want

to work. Nevertheless he does not think that it is really necessary that the WHO

lists burnout as an independent disease as discussed at the moment because the

patients usually have several other symptoms which can be diagnosed as

depression or anxiety. But he clearly sees the advantage of listing burnout as an

own disease in getting proper statistics on the topic. A problem in defining burnout

as a disease might be that people believe that the treatment has to be of medical

nature only. He believes that different treatment strategies are necessary and that

they need to be combined, like he does at “the tree”.

Dr. Lalouschek deals with burnout patients daily. He adjusts his treatment

depending on the patients’ symptoms, the severity of the syndrome and the

triggers of it. He uses different coaching strategies but also gives medication if

necessary like antidepressant or sleeping enhancer but not classical sleeping pills

because they are addictive. The healing process is also very unequal and takes

between a few months and over a year. The patients are usually not the whole time

on sick leave. But as neurologist he cannot send his patients on sick leave, only

physicians are allowed to do so. Nevertheless he can be asked for advisory opinion.

Dr. Lalouschek does not like to categorise people so he usually only gives an exact

diagnose if asked. In general the patients receive the diagnosis well and are often

happy to know what they are up to.

His patients usually have only a very superficial knowledge on the topic. But also

those who come with a self-diagnosis are usually not wrongly diagnosed. Some of

his patients come because of a self-testing questionnaire. Those tests are quite

common for a first diagnosis and he considers them as generally useful because

people can become aware of their condition. Especially if the interpretation also

gives solutions they can be a good starting point for treatment. But of course they

have a self-fulfilling component which might make people who are already

depressed even further depressed.

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Traditionally burnout was defined from the group of employed people as the doctor

explained. But generally anyone who is overburdened by his or her duties can be

effected no matter if it is a manger or a housewife. So nowadays the classical

burnout patient is no longer only connected to the social working area. It can be

anyone who is working and aged between 20 and 60 in the coach’s opinion.

Dr. Lalouschek sees the trigger of burnout syndrome in several extrinsic and

intrinsic factors. On the intrinsic side are genetically predisposition, certain previous

illnesses, mental or physical, and certain character traits like perfectionism or

keeping everything under control. Outside factors are very high workload over a

long time, lack of acknowledgement, mobbing and difficult social conditions like

high unemployment rates.

The word burnout is linked to the performance-oriented society but the symptoms

are much older and also appear in other societies like indigenous societies as “soul

loss” in Southern America or the Elias tiredness of the Old Testament. He believes

that the symptoms will stay with the societies although the expression for it might

change.

The neurologist approved that the number of burnout cases or generally

psychological diseases is increasing over the last decades. He has two explanations

for it. First there is a feigned increase due to nowadays higher awareness of

psychological issues and people are more likely to consult a specialist because of

this. But there is also a real, objective increase of psychological cases because of

changes in the social order. “People do not have a real goal in there live as the

people after the 2nd World War who had to build something up. People only have to

administer their wealth. If you have much to lose the fear of losing is much greater.

Belief and spirituality can be an anchor in ones live and with increased education

people might lose this anchor. They have to find another one.”

There is a tendency that people with burnout are more commiserated than those

with depression. The high awareness of burnout in the media might also help some

people to go to a specialist earlier or at all but on the other hand there is the

danger that burnout gets trivialised as the neurologist pointed out.

In his opinion it is very difficult to find suitable biological markers for burnout

because the symptoms can be very similar to other diseases like depression or

anaemia. “You have to look at all symptoms. The diagnosis is similar to solving a

puzzle.” said the neurologist. The coritsol level is a bad biomarker because the

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range of the normal value is very broad. The measurement of a variable heart rate

is a much better biomarker but different symptoms still have to be looked at.

Because of the great variety of symptoms it is also hard to detect a genetic

component. It is better to just talk about a genetic predisposition than of a genetic

trigger. The development of burnout depends on a combination of different risks

and protective factors.

5.2.5 Interview with Mag. Regina Swoboda, 14.03.2012

People visiting mental trainers like Mag. Regina Swoboda seek help to improve or to

avoid loss of their concentration, energy and/or achievements at work. Due to an

additional training for burnout prevention she is also able to help and train people

being in danger of suffering from burnout.

Mag. Swoboda is aware of burnout definitions from Maslach and Freudenberger, but

defines burnout herself as a chronic exhaustion due to excessive demands over a

very long time. In her opinion burnout is a form of depression because of the

common symptom of exhaustion in addition to bad mental condition, lack of

motivation and more. In contrary to depression, chronic exhaustion in burnout

exclusively arises from working conditions. Moreover affected people do not have

resources for independent recovery.

„All definitions are legitimate to a certain degree. It would be desirable if in the

ICD-10 burnout would be reclassified from an additional diagnose to an

autonomous diagnostic key. But whether the term burnout is the right expression is

questionable, because of often being ill-reputed as a fashion term or even a

temporary fashion. A change in nomenclature and classification therefore could lead

to a higher level of acceptance. Of course one requirement for the reclassification

would be the knowledge of a defined and consistent diagnosis, displaying the

biggest difficulty. A general burnout theory would make sense on condition that,

under nowadays requirements, a new and generally accepted definition could be

determined.”

According to Mag. Swoboda there are several stages of exhaustion, in which the

exact level can be easily determined by conducting various tests and interpreting

them carefully. Those tests allow for the determination of several parameters

concerning performance and satisfaction at work and in life in general.

Occurring symptoms in burnout are complex. Excessive demands lead to stress

reactions, which can be very distinct (physical, cognitive and emotional). Recurring

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thoughts, blackouts, insomnia, feeling down, withdrawal from social surrounding,

aggression etc. are stress indicators.

The AVEM test (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster) is no classical

burnout test, but a very good tool to analyze individual attitude and experience

concerning work and life in general. The test consists of 66 questions and ends in

11 dimensions (6 questions asked for each dimension).

Mag. Swoboda states: “A client in danger of burnout does not see any sense in

work, therefore the value in the first dimension “Subjective significance of work” is

as low as 3 (out of 9), the second dimension “Occupational ambition” is also low

with around 3. In contrast the willingness to go for broke is high with about 5/6.

Especially within dimensions 6 and 7 clients in danger of burnout can be

determined, as they have very high levels concerning dimension 6 “Tendency for

resignation in case of failure” and significantly low levels in dimension 7 “offensive

problem solving”. Those two values combined are referred to as “acquired

helplessness”, meaning that persons easily give up and tend to resign when

confronted with problems and do not solve problems offensively. When looking at

dimensions 9 “experience of success at work”, 10 “satisfaction in life” and 11

“experience of social support/encouragement” the overall satisfaction in life and

work can be determined. Burnout-endangered clients have very low levels in all

three dimensions; they are not satisfied in work and life and do not experience

much social support.”

The summary of all values and dimensions results in 4 possible types:

- Type G: healthy behavioural and experiencing pattern

- Type S: self protection-oriented behavioural and experiencing pattern

- Risk type A: unhealthy behavioural and experiencing pattern

- Risk type B: unhealthy behavioural and experiencing pattern

The overall test results are different percentages within the four types listed above.

High percentage rates within risk type B indicate burnout-endangered clients. If the

percentage reaches a certain level a person might already suffer from burnout.

“It is obligatory to not only look at the percentages within the types but additionally

evaluate and discuss stress intensifying thoughts and circumstances and the way a

client deals with those. It is very important to distinguish between stress, where

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clients can recover from themselves, and burnout, where people cannot recover

from without external assistance. If the percentage within type B reaches a certain

level a consolidation of a psychotherapist is mandatory in order to get the right help

and to fully recover. As a mental coach in this case it is only possible to offer

additional training. Especially within the last three dimensions, displaying overall

satisfaction at work and in life, very low levels call for professional help in the form

of psychotherapeutic support.”

After interpreting the test results and determining the stage a client is in Mag.

Swoboda introduces clients by explaining the impact stress can have on the human

body and the possibilities to deal with stress situations and stressful thoughts. Then

the actual work and training in the field of stress prevention starts, based on the

“stress traffic lights” model.

According to this model there are three areas in which a person has to deal with

stress and as a result three areas that can be modified and trained in order to avoid

stress:

- The instrumental area, which deals with exterior stress factors

- The cognitive area, which deals with stress enhancers concerning personal

thoughts or attitude

- The regenerative/ palliative area, which deals with reactions to stress

concerning body and health

Mag. Swoboda sees burnout as a disease of performance-oriented society and

argues: “In general raising performance requirements at work and in life affect

people who are overextended more easily than others. In contrast people with inner

stability and a high self-esteem are more resistant to stress and as a result less

prone to suffer from burnout. Today´s society is confronted with information

overload, familial structures often fall away and stable relationships are a rarity,

which means that personal security systems fall apart due to a lack of social

support from the family or the partner.

Due to her training clients learn that there are more possibilities to cope with and

recover from stress than wellness and relaxation. The instrumental and cognitive

area can very often contribute to a clients´ well-being at much higher degrees than

the regenerative area.

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Via the AVEM test and the testing for stress intensifying thoughts and consequent

training in all three areas Mag. Swoboda is convinced of being able to help her

clients in a way that they can cope with stress more easily and healthy and at the

same time avoid burnout.

Therefore it is necessary that clients understand that they can only help themselves

if they actively question and work on their stress intensifying thoughts and their

situation in life and at work. It is very important for Mag. Swoboda to convince

clients of the active work that needs to be done in order to gain stable

improvements.

Within the mental training no frequencies concerning specific occupational groups

can be noticed. Up to now Mag. Swoboda has never dealt with a person in danger

of, or in a burnout, but would be especially interested in it, as according to her,

especially for those people training in the instrumental and cognitive area is very

beneficial.

Concerning the ”future of burnout” Mag. Swoboda would wish for burnout to be

classified as an autonomous diagnostic key. Especially general practitioners should

be informed or updated about proceedings as the right medication and course of

action is important. Today stress triggers the same reaction as it did in the Stone

Age. The problem is that nowadays society´s response consistently differs as it is

not about escape, fight or even survival anymore, which is why the interplay of

adrenalin, noradrenalin, cortisol and sugar production has different effects on the

body.

Most importantly people suffering from burnout should get the right medication,

such as hypnotics and should be treated within the cognitive and instrumental area

to an equivalent degree. Only in combining the three the most efficient cure can be

guaranteed.

5.3 View on burnout by the Central Association of

Austrian Social Insurance Authorities

The following information was gathered from the Central Association of Austrian

Social Insurance Authorities and describes the situation and the handling of burnout

by the Austrian health insurance institutions.

The decision on the provision of a service in a particular case is always done by the

competent health insurance institution in its discretion, due to its expert

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assessment made on the basis of current law. The symptoms of burnout lead to

treatments mainly carried out in private practice and sick leave, only in a few cases

residential therapies are necessary. In private practice, there is no uniform

diagnostic coding, whereas in the intramural area the diagnostic coding is

performed by ICD-10. So far there are no standardized, universal and

internationally applicable approaches to a burnout diagnosis. Currently it is in the

doctor's discretion, to diagnose burnout.

For these reasons, a reimbursement of health insurance for the diagnosis of

burnout is currently problematic. Therefore in many cases some diseases are

diagnosed which occur in most burnout cases. These are particularly depressions,

alexithymia, and mood disorders and a sustained period of exhaustion over a long

time.

The responsible insurance institution decides in individual cases whether the

diagnosis of burnout is accepted or not.

The obligation of the insurance is legally relevant only if it is a disease in the sense

of the General Social Security Act § 120, which describes a disease as an irregular

body or mind state that makes a medical treatment necessary.

What kind of treatment in a particular case will be paid depends on both, the kind

of treatment the doctor has prescribed, and if this treatment is provided by the

competent health insurance as medical treatment within the meaning of § 133

paragraph 2 General Social Security Act. This paragraph describes that the medical

treatment has to be appropriate and sufficient but that it must not exceed the

necessities.

The question of how long the costs of psychotherapy sessions in the case of

burnout can be assumed is also decided by the health insurance institution on its

own. In this service range, there are differences in the statutes of the health

insurance institutions. At least before the second psychotherapy session a medical

examination has to be performed. Furthermore, in the statutes a number of

psychotherapeutic sessions is established, from where on a chief medical approval

must be obtained so further psychotherapeutic treatment get paid.

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6 Discussion

Since decades people's opinions have differed on the issue burnout. Neither a

generally accepted definition has been found nor a general analysis and/or treating

method has been established so far, even less statistics have been performed.

Via conducting our survey we collected and analyzed opinions of Viennese people

about the issue 'burnout syndrome'. Within the raised statistic a few interesting

outcomes could be detected.

In total, 208 people took part, with 62.5% female participation, indicating that

females were either more likely to fill out a questionnaire or were asked to fill one

out more frequently. There was also an imbalance in age groups, in that more

younger people, especially students, were willing to fill out the questionnaire

whereas elderly people very often refused to take part. In order to gain a more

representative sample, more people over the age of 35 should have been asked to

participate. Additionally with most of the results obtained no statistical significance

could be shown due to the number of participants. Nevertheless a few trends and

opinions pointing in believable directions could be detected.

A final problem within the questionnaire lay in the answers obtained when asking

whether the chance of self-realization and individualization is a risk of developing

burnout syndrome and whether participants think that the constantly growing

individualization and personal responsibility can trigger burnout syndrome. Opinions

on the two questions differed within all age groups. This could result from a too

complicated phrasing of the questions. Additionally people may not believe that

work offers a chance of self-realization or that there is a raise in personal

responsibility at work.

In total 19 (9.1%) of 208 persons suffered from burnout once in their life with a

significantly higher rate in the group of the 46-55-years-olds. This could result from

the multiple burdens those people very often have to deal with such as work and

having to provide for the family or aging parents. Additionally within this age group

people might already have reached a position at work where more responsibility is

demanded.

It seems that burnout is a common phenomenon in our society, as 65.4% of all

participants asked know at least one person who suffered from burnout. 80% of the

people agree on burnout being a disease of the performance-oriented society and a

similar percentage does not believe that burnout is an excuse for the lack of

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willingness to work, indicating a high level of acceptance, which can be underlined

by the fact that two thirds of the people would talk openly about burnout syndrome

if they suffered from it. Nevertheless 42.8% still consider burnout a taboo issue in

Austria.

People feel unequally well informed about the topic, which can amongst other

reasons result from the lack of interest because of not being directly affected. One

additional question on that matter could have been included, namely asking people

if they would actually like to be better informed. What is striking is that 78.9% of

the people who suffered from burnout do not feel well informed. Although not being

a significant statement, the percentage still calls for major improvements

concerning informing affected people and offering them the best support.

A vast majority of people would seek support in consulting their families, friends or

general practitioners, where women would prefer consulting a physician (70.8%)

while men would rather consult the family or friends.

Concerning beneficial preventive measures minimizing stress, sufficient sleep and a

satisfying workplace were ticked off in more than two thirds of the questionnaires

and are therefore representing the most important ones.

Concerning the symptoms indicating burnout people most frequently named

emotional exhaustion, listlessness and tiredness. Interestingly more than 65%

believe that depression is a symptom of burnout indicating that more than two

thirds either believe that depression comes along with burnout or that burnout itself

is a form of depression. People´s opinions obviously very much differ on that

matter and even between the five experts interviewed Dr. Peter Kubala, Univ-Prof.

Dr. Wolfgang Lalouschek, Dipl. Bw. Karin Tara Peer, Mag. Regina Swoboda and Dr.

Wögerbauer positions differ.

At the moment burnout syndrome is not regarded as a disease on its own by the

WHO. Our experts know this fact and would appreciate its declaration as an

officially recognised disease. "It would highly simplify the current situation. In

addition statistics would be more easily accessible." states Dr. Lalouschek. Some

specialists believe that this is not compulsorily necessary though. "It's not the name

that counts. People having problems and need help to solve them, the name of the

problem or disease doesn't matter in this case." declares Ms Peer.

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Before burnout can be declared as an officially recognised disease, a general

definition is needed first; and exactly here the crux of the matter can be found. The

fact that even between the five experts asked definitions differed to a certain

degree reflects the difficulty in drawing up a general definition.

Considering the issue diagnosis and/or treatment of burnout our experts use

different tests and therapies. Biomarkers or other measurement values are often

used to help diagnosing burnout syndrome by Dr. Lalouschek but also by Mag.

Swoboda. Due to the fact that some values as for instance the coritsol level tend to

vary enormously within a day, the neurologist Dr. Lalouschek is sceptical though.

No reliable biomarker for burnout syndrome could be found so far.

As the specialists demonstrated there is also no standard approach for treating

burnout. This can be justified on the one hand by the syndrome's high number of

symptoms and on the other hand by the fact that people are individuals and have

to be treated individually.

However, all of the experts asked stated that burnout is a state of vital exhaustion

where patients are caught so deep in the symptom loop that they do not have

enough resources to escape on their own and therefore need the help of experts.

Concerning the question whether burnout is a depression or not opinions highly

differed. Ms Peer is convinced that burnout is no depression, so is Dr. Peter Kubala

and Dr. Lalouschek. "Burnout is a spiral going upwards whereas depression are

described as spirals going downwards", says Karin Tara Peer. However, the doctors

are critical. "Of course, burnout shows symptoms of depressions but burnout is no

kind of depression. It can still often be the case that a depression can additionally

develop", stated the doctors. Mag. Swoboda could only defeat this statement.

"Burnout definitely is a form of depression but a depression exclusively arising from

working conditions."

Overall, the experts could only agree on one point, namely that burnout is definitely

a disease and has to be treated professionally.

The interviews fulfilled our expectation that burnout is not only a highly discussed

issue in the general population but also between experts and leaves terms still

unclear. In addition, we could observe that our experts showed different degrees of

interest and motivation concerning the issue burnout syndrome.

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7 Summary

Finding a standard definition for the term “burnout syndrome” was unsuccessful to

date. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health

Problems, 10th Revision, published by the World Health Organization, describes

burnout as a “state of vital exhaustion”, but they do not recognize the syndrome as

an official disease.

In our study we identified the level of information among the general population

concerning the topic. 208 people took part in our questionnaire, which was

distributed among the Viennese population. For the vast majority of cases no

statistical significance could be shown due to the insufficient number of

participants. Additionally, there was in imbalance in age groups and in gender. We

showed among other things that more than 80% of the people surveyed believe

that burnout is a disease of the performance-orientated society. In total 9.1% of

the population tested suffered from burnout once in their life with a significantly

higher rate in the group of the 46-55-years-olds. An impressively high percentage,

namely 78.9%, of the people who suffered from burnout do not feel well informed

on this topic. Given this, we suggest the introduction of information campaigns and

preventive measures.

In addition to the questionnaire, we evaluated the professionals’ position on the

subject “burnout syndrome” by conducting interviews. The opinions of interviewed

professionals, as well as those from the tested population, differed relating to the

separation of burnout from depression, as they can be hard to keep apart. All five

interviewed experts had slightly different points of view concerning the syndrome,

but they agreed on the fact that burnout is a disease and has to be treated

professionally.

The syndrome Burnout is a highly discussed issue among the general population

and also between experts. A general definition and the recognition of burnout as an

official disease remain open questions.

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8 Annex

8.1 Questionnaire results

Gender of Participants

male female not specified sum

absolute 71 130 7 208

in % 34.13 62.5 3.37 100

burnout 4 12 3 19

in % 5.63 9.23 42.86 57.72

no burnout 64 110 3 177

in % 90.14 84.62 42.86 217.61

not specified 3 8 1 12

Table 1: What is your gender?

Participants with Burnout

yes no not specified sum

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absolute 19 177 12 208

in % 9.13 85.1 5.77 100

female 12 110 8 130

in % 63.16 62.15 66.67

male 4 64 3 71

in % 21.05 36.16 25.00

Table 2: I was diagnosed with burnout syndrome.

Participants’Acquaintances with Burnout

yes no not specified sum

absolute 136 62 10 208

in % 65.38 29.81 4.81 100

Table 3: At least one of my acquaintances was diagnosed with burnout syndrome.

Age of Participants

15-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 over 65 not specified sum

absolute 69 46 38 36 10 7 2 208

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in % 33.17 22.12 18.27 17.31 4.81 3.37 0.96 100.01

burnout 1 4 5 7 1 1 0 19

in % 1.45 8.70 13.16 19.44 10.00 14.29

no burnout 64 40 31 27 6 6 2 176

in % 92.75 86.96 81.58 75.00 60.00 85.71

Table 4: How old are you?

Profession of Participants

employee freelance student pupil retiree unemployed housewife/-husband not specified not applicable sum

absolute 99 15 47 10 6 4 5 9 13 208

in % 47.6 7.21 22.6 4.81 2.88 1.92 2.4 4.33 6.25 100

burnout 10 3 0 0 2 1 0 2 18

in % 10.10 20.00 0.00 0.00 33.33 25.00 0.00 22.22

no burnout 84 12 46 9 4 3 4 6 168

in % 84.85 80.00 97.87 90.00 66.67 75.00 80.00 66.67

Table 5: What is your profession?

Page 38 of 67

Highest Degree of Participants

compulsory

education

certificate of

secondary education

university

degree

general qualification for

university entrance

apprenticeship

degree

not

specifie

d

not

applicabl

e sum

absolut

e 3 13 61 74 37 14 6 208

in % 1.44 6.25 29.33 35.58 17.79 6.73 2.88

100.

00

burnou

t 1 3 3 6 4 2 0 19

in % 33.33 23.08 4.92 8.11 10.81 14.29

no

burnou

t 2 8 55 66 31 9 171

in % 66.67 61.54 90.16 89.19 83.78 64.29

Table 6: What is your highest educational degree?

Symptoms

Page 39 of 67

depres

sion

tiredn

ess

emotional

exhaustion

listless

ness

lack of

concentration

heada

che

Disinterest in

work/fellow men

frequent

infections

aggres

sion

oth

er

absolute 139 144 168 150 111 71 121 63 65 15

in % 66.83 69.23 80.77 72.12 53.37 34.13 58.17 30.29 31.25

7.2

1

male 48 43 57 47 32 21 44 13 20 3

in % 67.61 60.56 80.28 66.20 45.07 29.58 61.97 18.31 28.17

4.2

3

female 87 69 108 99 76 46 74 48 41 12

in % 66.92 53.08 83.08 76.15 58.46 35.38 56.92 36.92 31.54

9.2

3

acquaintance with

burnout 95 94 114 105 69 45 84 40 39 12

in % 69.85 69.12 83.82 77.21 50.74 33.09 61.76 29.41 28.68

8.8

2

acquaintance

without burnout 36 41 46 39 37 23 32 21 21 3

Page 40 of 67

in % 58.06 66.13 74.19 62.90 59.68 37.10 51.61 33.87 33.87

4.8

4

not specified 6 9 8 6 5 3 5 2 5 0

in % 60.00 90.00 80.00 60.00 50.00 30.00 50.00 20.00 50.00

0.0

0

self with burnout 15 14 13 14 12 6 12 4 9 6

in % 78.95 73.68 68.42 73.68 63.16 31.58 63.16 21.05 47.37

31.

58

self without

burnout 118 122 146 125 93 60 101 54 50 6

in % 66.67 68.93 82.49 70.62 52.54 33.90 57.06 30.51 28.25

3.3

9

not specified 6 8 9 11 7 5 8 5 6 3

in % 50.00 66.67 75.00 91.67 58.33 41.67 66.67 41.67 50.00

25.

00

Table 7: Which symptoms indicate burnout syndrome from your point of view?

Support

Page 41 of 67

famil

y

friend

s

physicia

n

psychiatri

st

Self-

helpgroups

employ

er

colleagu

es

pries

t

psychosocial

institution

othe

r

absolute 142 124 134 61 27 34 29 6 51 7

in %

68.2

7 59.62 64.42 29.33 12.98 16.35 13.94 2.88 24.52 3.37

male 53 48 37 26 6 13 8 1 20 0

in %

74.6

5 67.61 52.11 36.62 8.45 18.31 11.27 1.41 28.17 0.00

female 86 73 92 34 20 19 19 5 29 7

in %

66.1

5 56.15 70.77 26.15 15.38 14.62 14.62 3.85 22.31 5.38

acquaintance with burnout 90 84 90 48 18 23 17 3 36 7

in %

66.1

8 61.76 66.18 35.29 13.24 16.91 12.50 2.21 26.47 5.15

acquaintance without

burnout 45 33 41 10 9 7 11 3 14 0

Page 42 of 67

in %

72.5

8 53.23 66.13 16.13 14.52 11.29 17.74 4.84 22.58 0.00

not specified 7 7 3 3 0 4 1 0 1 0

in %

70.0

0 70.00 30.00 30.00 0.00 40.00 10.00 0.00 10.00 0.00

self with burnout 12 10 15 7 1 4 4 0 7 2

in %

63.1

6 52.63 78.95 36.84 5.26 21.05 21.05 0.00 36.84

10.5

3

self without burnout 123 109 108 50 25 26 22 5 42 4

in %

69.4

9 61.58 61.02 28.25 14.12 14.69 12.43 2.82 23.73 2.26

not specified 7 5 11 4 1 4 3 1 2 1

in %

58.3

3 41.67 91.67 33.33 8.33 33.33 25.00 8.33 16.67 8.33

Table 8: Which persons or institutions would you contact if you have the feeling to suffer from burnout syndrome?

Prevention

Page 43 of 67

social

contacts

minimisin

g stress

sufficien

t sleep

delegation of

responsibilit

y

satisfying

workplace

living in

the

countrysid

e

leisure

activities

vacati

on humor

health

y

lifestyl

e other

absolute 116 148 141 73 129 14 108 88 69 103 16

in % 55.77 71.15 67.79 35.10 62.02 6.73 51.92 42.31 33.17 49.52 7.69

male 43 45 46 21 42 6 35 29 29 34 3

in % 60.56 63.38 64.79 29.58 59.15 8.45 49.30 40.85 40.85 47.89 4.23

female 70 98 90 49 84 8 69 56 38 67 13

in % 53.85 75.38 69.23 37.69 64.62 6.15 53.08 43.08 29.23 51.54 10.00

acquaintance

with burnout 73 100 99 50 81 8 67 56 46 68 14

in % 53.68 73.53 72.79 36.76 59.56 5.88 49.26 41.18 33.82 50.00 10.29

acquaintance

without burnout 35 41 37 20 40 5 34 30 20 29 2

in % 56.45 66.13 59.68 32.26 64.52 8.06 54.84 48.39 32.26 46.77 3.23

Page 44 of 67

not specified 8 7 5 3 8 1 7 2 3 6 0

in % 80.00 70.00 50.00 30.00 80.00 10.00 70.00 20.00 30.00 60.00 0.00

self with burnout 10 14 11 3 14 0 10 8 5 9 4

in % 52.63 73.68 57.89 15.79 73.68 0.00 52.63 42.11 26.32 47.37 21.05

self without

burnout 101 123 120 61 106 13 92 76 60 86 11

in % 57.06 69.49 67.80 34.46 59.89 7.34 51.98 42.94 33.90 48.59 6.21

not specified 5 11 10 4 9 1 6 4 4 8 1

in % 41.67 91.67 83.33 33.33 75.00 8.33 50.00 33.33 33.33 66.67 8.33

Table 9: Which preventive measures do you think are there?

Burnout a TabooTopic?

grade

totally

disagrees

mostly

disagrees

partly

disagrees

partly

agrees

mostly

agrees

totally

agrees

not

applicable sum

absolute 21 48 49 55 28 6 1 208

in % 10.10 23.08 23.56 26.44 13.46 2.88 0.48 100

Page 45 of 67

male 8 15 20 17 10 1 71

in % 11.27 21.13 28.17 23.94 14.08 1.41

female 13 31 29 35 17 4 129

in % 10.00 23.85 22.31 26.92 13.08 3.08

acquaintance with burnout 14 33 28 35 20 5 135

in % 10.29 24.26 20.59 25.74 14.71 3.68 99.26

acquaintance without

burnout 5 13 16 19 8 1 62

in % 8.06 20.97 25.81 30.65 12.90 1.61 100.00

not specified 2 2 5 1 0 0 10

in % 20.00 20.00 50.00 10.00 0.00 0.00 100.00

self with burnout 3 3 4 5 3 1 19

in % 15.79 15.79 21.05 26.32 15.79 5.26 100.00

self without burnout 17 40 42 49 24 4 176

in % 9.60 22.60 23.73 27.68 13.56 2.26 99.44

Page 46 of 67

not specified 1 5 3 1 1 1 12

in % 8.33 41.67 25.00 8.33 8.33 8.33

Table 10: Burnout is a taboo issue in Austria.

Disease of a performance-oriented society?

grade

totally

disagrees

mostly

disagrees

partly

disagrees

partly

agrees

mostly

agrees

totally

agrees

not

applicable sum

absolute 2 15 15 31 63 81 1 208

in % 0.96 7.21 7.21 14.90 30.29 38.94 0.48 100

male 0 5 6 10 26 24 71

in % 0.00 7.04 8.45 14.08 36.62 33.80

female 2 10 9 19 34 55 129

in % 1.54 7.69 6.92 14.62 26.15 42.31

acquaintance with burnout 1 11 11 18 41 53 135

in % 0.74 8.15 8.15 13.33 30.37 39.26 100.00

acquaintance without 1 4 1 12 19 25 62

Page 47 of 67

burnout

in % 1.61 6.45 1.61 19.35 30.65 40.32 100.00

not specified 0 0 3 1 3 3 10

in % 0.00 0.00 30.00 10.00 30.00 30.00 100.00

self with burnout 0 2 1 5 3 8 19

in % 0.00 10.53 5.26 26.32 15.79 42.11 100.00

self without burnout 1 11 14 25 58 67 176

in % 0.56 6.21 7.91 14.12 32.77 37.85 99.44

not specified 1 2 0 1 2 6 12

in % 8.33 16.67 0.00 8.33 16.67 50.00

Table 11: I believe burnout is a disease of the performance-oriented society.

Individualisation and personal responsibility as trigger?

grade

totally

disagrees

mostly

disagrees

partly

disagrees

partly

agrees

mostly

agrees

totally

agrees

not

applicable sum

absolute 14 44 27 58 44 19 2 208

Page 48 of 67

in % 6.73 21.15 12.98 27.88 21.15 9.13 0.96 100

male 4 14 12 17 16 8 71

in % 5.63 19.72 16.90 23.94 22.54 11.27

female 10 29 15 40 25 9 128

in % 7.69 22.31 11.54 30.77 19.23 6.92

acquaintance with burnout 12 32 17 32 29 13 135

in % 8.82 23.53 12.50 23.53 21.32 9.56 99.26

acquaintance without

burnout 2 11 9 21 12 6 61

in % 3.23 17.74 14.52 33.87 19.35 9.68 98.39

not specified 0 1 1 5 3 0 10

in % 0.00 10.00 10.00 50.00 30.00 0.00 100.00

self with burnout 1 7 1 4 2 4 19

in % 5.26 36.84 5.26 21.05 10.53 21.05 100.00

self without burnout 12 34 24 51 40 14 175

Page 49 of 67

in % 6.78 19.21 13.56 28.81 22.60 7.91 98.87

not specified 1 3 2 3 2 1 12

in % 8.33 25.00 16.67 25.00 16.67 8.33

Table 12: I believe the growing individualisation and personal responsibility in the performance-oriented society can trigger burnout syndrome.

Burnout an Excuse for the lack of willingness to work?

grade

totally

disagrees

mostly

disagrees

partly

disagrees

partly

agrees

mostly

agrees

totally

agrees

not

applicable sum

absolute 96 49 33 14 12 3 1 208

in % 46.15 23.56 15.87 6.73 5.77 1.44 0.48 100

male 30 17 12 4 7 1 71

in % 42.25 23.94 16.90 5.63 9.86 1.41

female 64 29 19 10 5 2 129

in % 49.23 22.31 14.62 7.69 3.85 1.54

acquaintance with burnout 66 26 27 6 9 1 135

in % 48.53 19.12 19.85 4.41 6.62 0.74 99.26

Page 50 of 67

acquaintance without

burnout 27 19 5 6 3 2 62

in % 43.55 30.65 8.06 9.68 4.84 3.23 100.00

not specified 3 4 1 2 0 0 10

in % 30.00 40.00 10.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 100.00

self with burnout 13 1 2 3 0 0 19

in % 68.42 5.26 10.53 15.79 0.00 0.00 100.00

self without burnout 78 47 28 10 12 1 176

in % 44.07 26.55 15.82 5.65 6.78 0.56 99.44

not specified 5 1 3 1 0 2 12

in % 41.67 8.33 25.00 8.33 0.00 16.67

Table 13: Burnout is an excuse for the lack of willingness to work.

Self-realisation and Individualisation is a Risk for Burnout Development?

grade

totally

disagrees

mostly

disagrees

partly

disagrees

partly

agrees

mostly

agrees

totally

agrees

not

applicable sum

Page 51 of 67

absolute 25 41 41 54 35 11 1 208

in % 12.02 19.71 19.71 25.96 16.83 5.29 0.48 100

male 6 19 13 17 11 5 71

in % 8.45 26.76 18.31 23.94 15.49 7.04

female 19 21 28 35 20 6 129

in % 14.62 16.15 21.54 26.92 15.38 4.62

acquaintance with burnout 21 25 26 33 23 7 135

in % 15.44 18.38 19.12 24.26 16.91 5.15 99.26

acquaintance without

burnout 3 16 12 19 8 4 62

in % 4.84 25.81 19.35 30.65 12.90 6.45 100.00

not specified 1 0 3 2 4 0 10

in % 10.00 0.00 30.00 20.00 40.00 0.00 100.00

self with burnout 3 3 2 6 4 1 19

in % 15.79 15.79 10.53 31.58 21.05 5.26 100.00

Page 52 of 67

self without burnout 18 36 39 46 27 10 176

in % 10.17 20.34 22.03 25.99 15.25 5.65 99.44

not specified 4 2 1 2 4 0 13

in % 33.33 16.67 8.33 16.67 33.33 0.00

Table 14: I think today’s always growing chance of self-realisation and individualisation pose a risk to develop burnout syndrome.

Openness to talk about Burnout Syndrome?

grade

totally

disagrees

mostly

disagrees

partly

disagrees

partly

agrees

mostly

agrees

totally

agrees

not

applicable sum

absolute 14 28 32 35 51 47 1 208

in % 6.73 13.46 15.38 16.83 24.52 22.60 0.48 100

male 5 12 7 12 21 14 71

in % 7.04 16.90 9.86 16.90 29.58 19.72

female 9 16 23 21 29 31 129

in % 6.92 12.31 17.69 16.15 22.31 23.85

acquaintance with burnout 7 19 23 23 28 35 135

Page 53 of 67

in % 5.15 13.97 16.91 16.91 20.59 25.74 99.26

acquaintance without

burnout 6 9 8 10 21 8 62

in % 9.68 14.52 12.90 16.13 33.87 12.90 100.00

not specified 1 0 1 2 2 4 10

in % 10.00 0.00 10.00 20.00 20.00 40.00 100.00

self with burnout 0 0 4 3 2 10 19

in % 0.00 0.00 21.05 15.79 10.53 52.63 100.00

self without burnout 12 28 27 29 45 36 177

in % 6.78 15.82 15.25 16.38 25.42 20.34 100.00

not specified 2 0 1 3 4 1 11

in % 16.67 0.00 8.33 25.00 33.33 8.33 91.67

Table 15: I would openly talk about burnout syndrome to my surroundings if I was suffering from symptoms such as the feeling of

being overburdened.

It's difficult to get help.

grade totally mostly partly partly mostly totally not

sum

Page 54 of 67

disagrees disagrees disagrees agrees agrees agrees applicable

absolute 32 40 32 31 49 22 2 208

in % 15.38 19.23 15.38 14.90 23.56 10.58 0.96 100

male 6 19 10 11 18 5 69

in % 8.45 26.76 14.08 15.49 25.35 7.04

female 25 20 19 20 30 16 130

in % 19.23 15.38 14.62 15.38 23.08 12.31

acquaintance with burnout 24 23 21 19 32 16 135

in % 17.65 16.91 15.44 13.97 23.53 11.76 99.26

acquaintance without

burnout 7 13 9 11 16 5 61

in % 11.48 21.31 14.75 18.03 26.23 8.20 100.00

not specified 1 4 2 1 1 1 10

in % 10.00 40.00 20.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 100.00

self with burnout 4 5 1 1 2 6 19

Page 55 of 67

in % 21.05 26.32 5.26 5.26 10.53 31.58 100.00

self without burnout 24 32 30 30 45 14 175

in % 13.56 18.08 16.95 16.95 25.42 7.91 98.87

not specified 4 3 1 0 2 2 12

in % 33.33 25.00 8.33 0.00 16.67 16.67 100.00

Table 16: I think it is not easy to receive help when suffering from burnout syndrome.

High Level of Information?

grade

totally

disagrees

mostly

disagrees

partly

disagrees

partly

agrees

mostly

agrees

totally

agrees

not

applicable sum

absolute 8 26 45 51 40 37 1 208

in % 3.85 12.50 21.63 24.52 19.23 17.79 0.48 100

male 6 13 13 23 10 6 71

in % 8.45 18.31 18.31 32.39 14.08 8.45

female 2 11 30 28 29 29 129

in % 1.54 8.46 23.08 21.54 22.31 22.31

Page 56 of 67

acquaintance with burnout 4 10 28 38 28 27 135

in % 2.94 7.35 20.59 27.94 20.59 19.85 99.26

acquaintance without

burnout 4 15 16 10 9 8 62

in % 6.45 24.19 25.81 16.13 14.52 12.90 100.00

not specified 0 1 1 3 3 2 10

in % 0.00 10.00 10.00 30.00 30.00 20.00 100.00

self with burnout 0 1 2 3 4 8 18

in % 0.00 5.26 10.53 15.79 21.05 42.11 94.74

self without burnout 8 23 41 45 32 28 177

in % 4.52 12.99 23.16 25.42 18.08 15.82 100.00

not specified 0 2 2 3 4 1 12

in % 0.00 16.67 16.67 25.00 33.33 8.33

Table 17: I feel adequately well informed about the issue burnout syndrome.

Page 57 of 67

8.2 Questionnaire for the „Science and Society“ project

on the topic burnout

The goal of our project is to gain information on opinions and views of the

population in the Viennese area on the topic “burnout”. The collected data will be

treated completely anonymous.

We want to ask for complete and honest answers and thank for the interest and the

participation in our project.

Question 1: Which symptoms indicate burnout syndrome from your point of view?

depression tiredness emotional exhaustion listlessness

lack of concentration headaches Disinterest of work/fellow men

frequent infections (e.g. colds) aggression

other:_____________________

Question 2: Burnout is a taboo issue in Austria.

totally disagree totally agree

Question 3: I believe burnout is a disease of the performance-oriented society.

totally disagree totally agree

Question 4: I believe the growing individualisation and personal responsibility in

the performance-oriented society can trigger burnout syndrome.

Question 5: Burnout is an excuse for the lack of willingness to work.

Question 6: I think today’s always growing chance of self-realisation and

individualisation pose a risk to develop burnout syndrome.

Question 7: I would openly talk about burnout syndrome to my surroundings if I

was suffering from symptoms such as the feeling of being overburdened.

Page 58 of 67

Question 8: I think it is not easy to receive help when suffering from burnout

syndrome.

Question 9: Which persons or institutions would you contact if you have the

feeling to suffer from burnout syndrome?

family friends physician psychiatrist self-help groups

employer colleagues priest psychosocial institution

other: _____________________

Question 10: Which preventive measures against burnout do you think are there?

social contacts minimising stress sufficient sleep

delegation of responsibility satisfying workplace living in the countryside

leisure activities vacation humour healthy lifestyle

other: _____________________

Question 11: I feel adequately well informed about the issue burnout syndrome.

Question 12: At least one of my acquaintances was diagnosed with burnout

syndrome.

yes no no specification

Question 13: I was diagnosed with burnout syndrome.

yes no no specification

Sex: male female

Age:15-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 over 65

Profession: employee freelance student pupil retiree

unemployed housewife/husband no specification

Professional category: (e.g. tourism) _____________________ no specification

Highest Degree:compulsory educationcertificate of secondary

educationuniversity degreegeneral qualification for university entrance

apprenticeship degree no specification

Page 59 of 67

8.3 Locations questionnaires were distributed

Date Place Person

28/01/12 Museumsquartier,

Donaukanal

PH, OK

29/01/12 Praterstern PH, OK

01/12 - 02/12 Facebook, “Share and

Care” group

OK

02/12 Private friends OK

01/02/12 Mariahilfer Straße PH, EK

8.4 Outline of division of labour

Abstract EK, KO

Introduction KO, PH

Materials and Methods JB

Interviews EK, JB, KO, PH, PK

Questionnaire EK, JB, KO, PH, PK

Discussion PH, PK

Summary KO

Poster EK, JB

Presentation KO, PH, PK

Page 60 of 67

8.5 Timetable

date milestone

14/11/11 Meeting

28/11/11 Submission of project proposal

01/12/11-01/03/12 Background research

12/12/11 Project “kick-off” - PowerPoint

presentation of projects including the

‘theoretical background’ research

19/12/11 Meeting

28/12/11 First draft of questionnaire

22/02/12 – 10/04/12 Interview experts

28/01/12 – 13/02/12 Distribute questionnaire

28/02/12 Meeting

05/03/12 Project progress report

08/03/12 Meeting

13/03/12 First draft of introduction and

questionnaire

20/03/12 Meeting

09/04/12 Internal deadline - final results

17/04/12 Meeting

01/05/12 First draft of poster, deadline invitations

03/05/12 Meeting

04/05/12 First draft of project abstract

06/05/12 First draft of discussion

Page 61 of 67

11/05/12 Final abstract

14/05/12 Meeting

Final workshop poster

21/05/12 Dry run of workshop PowerPoint

presentation

28/05/12 Submission of PowerPoint Presentation

31/05/12 7th ‘Science & Society’ workshop

13/06/12 Personal comments

Completing and reviewing project report

15/06/12 Submission of project report

Page 62 of 67

8.6 Poster

Page 63 of 67

8.7 Presentation

Page 64 of 67

Page 65 of 67

9 References

Burisch, Matthias (2010): Das Burnout-Syndrom. Theorie der inneren Erschöpfung.

Berlin Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag. 4., aktualisierte Auflage

Rössner-Fischer, Alexandra (2007): Burnout – Ursachen, Prävention, die besondere

Rolle der Entlastungsfaktoren und der Führungskräfte. Norderstedt: GRIN Verlag. 1.

Auflage

Lazarus, Richard S. (2006): Stress and Emotion: A New Synthesis. New York:

Springer Publishing Company, Inc.

Maslach, Christina; Leiter, Michael P (2001): Die Wahrheit über Burnout. Stress am

Arbeitsplatz und was Sie dagegen tun können. Wien: Springer-Verlag.

Danhof-Pont, Marie Bernadine; Veet, Tineke van; Zitman, Frans G. (2011):

Biomarkers in burnout: a systematic review. J Psychosom Res. 70(6):505-24

Hellhammer Dirk, Neuropattern. https://neuropattern.de/ (04.03.2012)

Baur, Manfred; Schuler, Hannes (2011): Gegen die Wand –Das Rätsel Burnout..

Dokumentation, Deutschland 2011

KaM (2012): Wichtiger Konsensus zum Thema Burnout. In Wien präsentiert.

Medical Tribune. 44(6):8

Fuchs, Eberhard. Clinical Neurobiology Labor. Stress research http://cnl-

dpz.de/people/fuchs/start.htm (08.03.2012)

ICD-10 online http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd10/browse/2010/en#/Z73

(08.03.2012)

Freudenberger, H.J. (1974). Staff burn-out. Journal of social Issues, 30, 159-165.

Ginsburg, S.G. (1974). The problem of the burned out executive. Personnel Journal,

53, 598-600.

Maslach, C. (1982). Understanding Burnout: definitional issues in analyzing a

complex phenomenon. In: W.S. Paine (Ed.), Job Stress and Burnout. Beverly Hills:

Sage.

Page 66 of 67

10 Declaration

We declare that this report was authored by those named on the title page only and

that we did not use any forbidden methods.

We assure that the work contained within this report was carried out by ourselves,

except where otherwise referenced.

Signature:………………………………………………………………….

Signature:………………………………………………………………….

Page 67 of 67

11 Acknowledgements

We want to thank our interview partners Dr. Peter Kubala, Univ-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang

Lalouschek, Dipl. Bw. Karin Tara Peer, Mag. Regina Swoboda and Dr. Georg

Wögerbauer and Sigrid Wögerbauer. We also want to thank “Sonnentor” for

sponsoring our questionnaire survey and the lecturers of the FH Campus Wien, who

supported us.