PHQ-9 vs MBI — Depression or Burnout?
Burnout and depression share many symptoms — exhaustion, anhedonia, sleep problems, hopelessness — but differ fundamentally in scope. Depression pervades all life domains (relationships, hobbies, sleep, self-worth). Burnout typically lifts on vacation and returns when you go back to work.
PHQ-9 (9 items) measures depression severity over the past 2 weeks — context-free. Score 0–27 with five severity bands. Includes a critical item on thoughts of self-harm (Q9).
MBI (16 items) is job-specific. Three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, cynicism/depersonalization, reduced personal accomplishment.
The diagnostic test: do symptoms lift during a 2-week vacation? If yes — burnout. If no — likely depression. Co-occurrence is common and dangerous (~30% of burnout cases also meet criteria for clinical depression). A score above threshold on PHQ-9 — always consult a professional.
When to use: Depression Screening — PHQ-9 (9 items)
- Sadness covers all of life, not just work
- Symptoms don't lift on weekends/vacation
- You have thoughts of worthlessness or self-harm
When to use: Burnout Assessment — Oldenburg Burnout Inventory
- Symptoms began with a specific project/boss
- You feel done with work, but have energy outside it
- Cynicism toward clients/patients that you never had before
Not sure? Take both tests!