Is burnout, in fact, depression? In this episode of Quick Takes, Dr. David Gratzer enjoys a lively conversation with Dr. Srijan Sen, Professor of Depression and Neurosciences at the University of Michigan, who argues that it is. They also discuss the confusion about its definition (182 studies had 142 different definitions), the key contributing factors (workload, environment and – no surprise – the EMR), and how the old concept of a doctor’s lounge could be a new way of helping to address burnout.

During their discussion we learn:

• “burnout” is often used as a loose term that means different things for different people, which can make it difficult to study and treat,
• there is an artificial divide between burnout and depression that needs more research,
• depression rates among medical professionals have increased world-wide,
• the traditional stigma around physician’s reporting mental health issues is on the decline,
• what a few of the main contributors are that lead to burnout and depression,
• and how per-support and, yes, medical staff lounges can help keep burnout at bay.

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Quick Takes is a production of the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. You can find links to the relevant content mentioned in the show and accessible transcripts of all the episodes we produce online at CAMH.ca.

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