Abstract
Burnout syndrome is a psychophysiological state resulting from prolonged exposure to job stressors. It may affect >50% of physicians and is characterized by feelings of emptiness, exhaustion, cynism, and negative attitudes towards work and life.
Primary causes of the burnout syndrome include high demand combined with low influence, a high level of engagement without sufficient rewards or gratification, and a low level of social support. Preventive measures against burn-out include Balint-like supervision groups.
In cases of a fully developed burn-out syndrome, affected persons should undergo either psychotherapy or a multimodal psychosomatic therapy.
