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Burnout Physiological Basis

Meaning

The Burnout Physiological Basis describes the measurable, biological underpinnings of the psychological state of burnout, specifically focusing on chronic dysregulation of the stress response systems. This condition is clinically characterized by profound exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy, which manifest physically as a sustained imbalance in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. Prolonged allostatic load leads to alterations in cortisol rhythm, neurotransmitter depletion, and systemic inflammation, moving the body out of homeostatic balance. Recognizing this physiological reality shifts the understanding of burnout from a purely mental state to a genuine endocrine and neurological dysfunction.