Commentators advanced the view that burnout differs from depression because the cortisol profile of burnout differs from that of melancholic depression; however, as the above table indicates, burnouts cortisol profile is similar to that of atypical depression.It has previously been hypothesised that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is caused by burnout. It is suggested that the "burning out" of the bodys stress symptom (by any of a wide range of causes) can lead to chronic fatigue. However, the very nomenclature of "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" is viewed as problematic by both patients and healthcare professionals specialising in the condition, as it fails to encompass the wide range of non-fatigue related symptoms present in ME/CFS, or to differentiate between the so-named condition and the symptom of chronic fatigue which is present in many unrelated conditions or diseases. Furthermore, more up-to-date research has shown that ME/CFS is a multi-systemic condition that is not psychological in etiology and so comparison to occupational burnout is now less prudent.Overtraining syndrome is also known as "chronic fatigue," "burnout" and "overstress" in athletes. It has been conceptualised as adjustment disorder, a common diagnosis for those burnt out.Recovering alcoholics often have a blunted cortisol response to stress, as do some cancer patients and survivors. This symptom is a particular feature of people suffering burnout. Altered cortisol response is experienced by up to 80% of people with depression. Risk factors
Evidence suggests that the etiology of burnout is multifactorial, with personality factors playing an important, long-overlooked role.
They can suffer concentration problems, forgetfulness, increased frustration, and/or feelings of being overwhelmed. They may complain and feel negative, or feel apathetic and believe they have little impact on their coworkers and environment. Occupational burnout is also associated with absenteeism, other time missed from work, and thoughts of quitting.Chronic burnout is also associated with cognitive impairments in memory and attention. (See also Effects of stress on memory.) Research suggests that burnout can manifest differently between genders, with higher levels of depersonalisation among men and increased emotional exhaustion among women. Other research suggests that people revealing a history of occupational burnout face future hiring discrimination.When it happens in the context of volunteering, burnout can often lead to volunteers significantly reducing their activities or stopping volunteering altogether. Likewise, academic stress, as it has been called, or academic burnout is a process originated from the inciting element, which implies the subjection to events that from the students perspective can be considered as stressors.Burnout might result in learned helplessness.Burnout has been found to be associated with spiritual health. Stages
Drozdstoj Stoyanov et al. believe burnout has three stages:

Flame out - trying to deal with excessive stress, causing depression and anxiety. Genuine burn out - a process of increasing emotional exhaustion. Rust out - being completely alienated from other people, cynical and ineffective. Treatment and prevention
Health condition treatment and prevention methods are often classified as "primary prevention" (stopping the condition occurring), "secondary prevention" (removing the condition that has occurred) and "tertiary prevention" (helping people live with the condition).