Having a “burnout” seems to have become a mass phenomenon receiving constant media attention. more and more people are missing work due to “burnout syndrome.”but is this set of symptoms a clearly-defined illness? what is the difference between burnout and depression?many questions remain unanswered.. Clinical burnout, diagnosis and therapy. conference paper (pdf available) • the psychological treatment of clinical . burnout and relevance for clinical practice. Burnout is a psychological term for the experience of long-term exhaustion and diminished interest. there are many theories about burnout, but all involve exposure to excessive and prolonged stress. this could include work issues, health related outcomes, ongoing physical pain, and mental health problems..