The prognosis of burnout and prolonged fatigue in the working population: a comparison

Objective: To assess and compare Prognostic factors for recovery in burnout and prolonged fatigue. Method: Baseline, 12-, 24-, and 48-month follow-up data from the Maastricht Cohort Study were used. Prolonged,fatigue or burnout cases or both at baseline (n = 2356) were divided into three subgroups: 'Pure fatigue, " "Pure burnout, " and "burnout & fatigue". Using logistic generalized estimating equation analysis, baseline predictors of recovery, including (mental) health, work, and demographic factors, were determined. Results: Selection variables predicted recovery across the subgroups. Health factors predicted recovery in the pure fatigue and burnout & fatigue subgroups. Differences in work factors emerged between the subgroups. Work factors especially predicted recovery in the pure burnout group. Conclusion: Differences emerged with respect to work and health factors which suggest the importance of differentiating between burnout and prolonged fatigue. This could provide valuable leads for intervention possibilities. (J Occup Environ Med. 2008;50:1195-1202)