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.