A Blood or Saliva Sample Could Help Diagnose Burnout

Feeling burned out? Burnout can come from too much work-related stress or from stress at home. Whatever the source, it's important to diagnose burnout syndrome early and get help before it leads to other health problems. According to research carried out at the University of Montreal, diagnosing burnout could be as simple as looking at a blood and saliva sample.

Burnout Syndrome and Low Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenals, very small glands that lie above the kidneys. Cortisol is often dubbed the stress hormone, because more of it is released into the bloodstream when a person is chronically stressed. In people with burnout syndrome, cortisol levels are frequently low, because the adrenal gland fatigues from pumping out too much cortisol from chronic stress.

Researchers at the University of Montreal used questionnaires and blood and saliva samples to look for signs of burnout in 30 middle-aged people. They used their blood and saliva to look for imbalances in cortisol as well as other factors such as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, blood pressure and markers for inflammation in the blood that indicate "wear and tear" on the body from chronic stress and burnout.

By using blood and saliva tests to measure cortisol and other factors that interact with it, they hope to distinguish
burnout syndrome from chronic depression where cortisol levels are often elevated. Treating people with burnout and low cortisol levels with anti-depressant medications could make the symptoms worse since anti-depressant drugs lower levels of cortisol, which is already too low in people who are burned out. These blood and saliva tests could help make the diagnosis of burnout syndrome early before it causes other physical and mental problems.

Why Is It Important to Diagnose Burnout Syndrome Early?

People who are burned out may turn to destructive habits such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs or smoking excessively to deal with their burnout - and they may isolate themselves from family and friends. Early diagnosis means they can get help early on before turning to unhealthy ways to cope with this common problem.

The Bottom Line?

Feeling burned out is a common problem in this fast-paced society where people are overworked and shuffled in too many different directions. Taking blood and saliva samples to check cortisol levels and other factors could be a way to diagnose and treat people with burnout syndrome earlier - so they can get the help they need.

References:

Eurekalert.org. "Simple Spit and Blood Tests Might Detect Burnout Before It Happens"