Is burnout, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of inefficacy, officially classified as a mental illness according to diagnostic manuals like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or the ICD (International Classification of Diseases)? If not a mental illness, how is it classified? What organization defines that classification, and what implications does this classification have for insurance coverage, workplace accommodations, and access to mental health services? Specifically, has the classification of burnout changed recently, and if so, what were the reasons for the change?
Answer
Burnout is not classified as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States and many other countries.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) includes burnout in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon. Specifically, it’s classified within the chapter on “Factors influencing health status or contact with health services” (Chapter XXI).
In the ICD-11, burnout is defined as: “Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It is characterized by three dimensions:
1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
2. Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job.
3. Reduced professional efficacy.
The WHO clarifies that burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.
While not a mental illness itself, burnout can be associated with mental health problems like depression and anxiety. It can also exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions. When an individual experiences burnout, it’s crucial to assess for co-occurring mental health issues that may require separate diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of burnout can overlap with, or contribute to, the development of diagnosable mental disorders.