Burnout differential diagnosis

It is important to consider a differential diagnosis when evaluating someone for burnout. The following are some conditions that may have similar symptoms to burnout:

Depression: Symptoms of depression can include fatigue, low energy, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms may overlap with those of burnout, and it is important to distinguish between the two conditions.

Anxiety: Symptoms of anxiety can include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. Anxiety may also contribute to burnout symptoms.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: This is a condition characterized by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as joint pain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

Adrenal insufficiency: This is a rare condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

Sleep disorders: Conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome can all contribute to fatigue and exhaustion.

Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can lead to fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

Chronic pain: Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia can contribute to fatigue and reduce efficacy, which can be mistaken for burnout.