Psychology
ADHD in adults: signs, assessment and treatment
Adult ADHD is real, under-diagnosed in women, and over-claimed online. How it looks, how to get assessed, what treatment does, and why study pills are a bad bet.
27 Sept 20267 min read
Burnout
Also known as Burn-out, Occupational burnout, Work burnout
A state of exhaustion, cynicism and reduced effectiveness caused by long-term workplace stress that has not been managed. WHO calls it an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition.
In Psychology
Burnout is listed in as an occupational phenomenon — a reason people contact health services — rather than as a medical condition. WHO defines it as the result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, and says it should only be applied to work.
The three features WHO describes
- Energy depletion or exhaustion
- Mental distance from your job, or negativity and cynicism about it
- Reduced effectiveness at work
The response is mainly practical: workload, rest, boundaries and support. Burnout overlaps heavily with ; if the low mood, hopelessness or poor sleep spread beyond work, see a doctor. The full article is burnout.
Where this comes up
Psychology
Burnout: signs, causes and recovery
Burnout is exhaustion, cynicism and falling effectiveness caused by chronic work stress. How it differs from depression, who is at risk, and what actually helps.
27 Sept 20267 min read
Psychology
Codependency: when caring for others costs you yourself
Codependency is a popular idea, not a diagnosis. Caring deeply for family is healthy; losing yourself entirely, or enabling someone's harm, is not.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Imposter syndrome: why capable people feel like frauds
Imposter syndrome is the persistent fear of being ‘found out’ despite real achievement. It is common, it is not a diagnosis, and specific habits help.
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Related terms
- DepressionClinical depression, Major depressive disorderA medical condition in which low mood or loss of interest lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and affects sleep, energy and daily life.
- CortisolStress hormone, HydrocortisoneA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps the body respond to stress and regulates blood sugar, metabolism and inflammation. Levels peak in the morning and fall at night.
- ResilienceResilient, Psychological resilienceThe ability to adapt and recover after hardship, loss or stress. It is not a fixed trait you either have or lack; it grows from relationships, habits and support.
- InsomniaSleeplessness, Chronic insomniaRegular difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, leaving you tired during the day. When it lasts three months or more it is called long-term insomnia.