Burnout syndrome to be removed as a diagnosis « Euro Weekly News

Sweden is set to remove burnout syndrome as a medical diagnosis by 2028.

The change comes as the country transitions from ICD-10 to ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases), in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The decision has sparked heated discussions about how patients suffering from stress-related conditions will be treated moving forward.

Why is burnout syndrome being abolished?

Burnout syndrome, also known as fatigue syndrome, has been widely used in Sweden but does not exist as a separate diagnosis in other countries. “Just specifically the diagnosis of burnout syndrome with the specific criteria is only something we have in Sweden. But they have found other solutions in other countries to try to characterise this clinical picture,” said Elin Lindsäter, associate professor at the Karolinska Institute, speaking to TT.

How will the removal of the diagnosis affect existing patients with burnout syndrome?

Each year, around 20,000 people in Sweden are signed off work due to burnout syndrome, according to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. This makes it the second most common cause of new sick leave cases after acute stress reactions. The median duration of sick leave for burnout-related cases is roughly six months.

Lindsäter believes that the change could ultimately benefit patients. “Burnout syndrome has been used somewhat superficially as a diagnosis within healthcare, so my hope is that now maybe they will make a more thorough assessment,” she said, as quoted by Sweden Herald. She suggests that the removal of burnout syndrome as a standalone diagnosis could lead to more precise categorisation and better treatments for those suffering from stress-related illnesses.

What will replace the diagnosis of burnout syndrome?

Although burnout syndrome will no longer exist as a diagnosis, its symptoms will still be recognised under other categories such as depression or stress-related disorders. Magdalena Fresk, head of classifications and terminology at the National Board of Health and Welfare, stated that the translation of ICD-11 will continue through 2025, after which authorities will begin assessing its impact.

Stress levels higher among women in Sweden

The decision to remove burnout syndrome comes amid rising concerns about stress levels in women across Sweden. According to Statista, in 2024, 11.3 per cent of women aged 16-29 reported feeling very stressed, compared to 4.7 per cent of men in the same age group. Women across all age groups reported higher stress levels than men.

For now, those affected by burnout syndrome can still access support through Sweden’s existing mental health services. However, as the country prepares for the shift, both medical professionals and policymakers will need to navigate the transition carefully to ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need.

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