EEG findings in burnout patients.
The concept of burnout remains enigmatic since it is only determined by behavioral characteristics. Moreover, the differential diagnosis with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome is difficult. EEG-related variables in 13 patients diagnosed with burnout syndrome were compared with 13 healthy comparison subjects in order to explore the existence of neurobiological markers for burnout. Burnout patients showed reduced P300 amplitude, a lower alpha peak frequency and reduced beta power. These EEG-related differences in burnout patients differ from those described in the literature in depression and chronic fatigue patients. Our preliminary findings suggest that burnout might be considered as a separate clinical syndrome.
van Luijtelaar
Gilles
G
Radboud University Nijmegen, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. g.vanluijtelaar@donders.ru.nl
Verbraak
Marc
M
van den Bunt
Martijn
M
Keijsers
Ger
G
Arns
Martijn
M
D000328:Adult; D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D001611:Beta Rhythm; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004569:Electroencephalography; D018913:Event-Related Potentials, P300; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013577:Syndrome; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology