Overworked Individual: Recognizing Signs, Diagnosis, and Timely Intervention for Help
Work Addiction: Understanding the Unhealthy Pursuit of Work
Work addiction, also known as workaholism, is a behavioural addiction characterised by excessive and compulsive work behaviours that negatively impact health and relationships. Despite not being formally recognised as a disorder in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11, it is a growing concern that affects many individuals.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of work addiction are complex and multifaceted. Psychological factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive traits, perfectionism, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and the use of work as escapism from negative emotions play a significant role. Environmental and social influences, like societal pressure to succeed, stressful life events, lack of personal support, and family dynamics also contribute. Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and a history of trauma, can also lead to compulsive behaviours seeking relief or control. Genetic predisposition, though less documented compared to substance or behavioural addictions like gambling or internet addiction, may also play a role.
Symptoms and Impact
Symptoms of work addiction include spending excessive time on work, difficulty setting boundaries between work and personal life, a compulsive need for achievement, and neglecting self-care. Workaholism can lead to reduced self-care, relationship issues, and health problems. A person experiencing work addiction may constantly think about work, make themselves permanently available for work-related tasks, check work-related emails or messages during personal time, feel guilty or anxious when not working, have difficulty saying no to additional work demands, feel reluctant to take breaks or vacations, and neglect their personal life and relationships.
Treatment Options
Treatment for work addiction, though not standardised due to the lack of formal diagnosis, generally follows approaches used for behavioural addictions and related mental health issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to address maladaptive thought patterns, impulse control, perfectionism, and to develop healthier coping strategies. Psychotherapy is used to explore underlying psychological causes like low self-worth, anxiety, or trauma, and to address work-life balance issues. Stress management and relaxation techniques, support groups and psychoeducation, lifestyle interventions, and career counseling may also be beneficial.
Overcoming Work Addiction
Overcoming work addiction is a gradual process that requires commitment and persistence. It may involve setting boundaries, practicing self-reflection and awareness, prioritising self-care, delegation, stress management techniques, seeking social support, speaking with a supervisor or HR department about stress levels, and engaging in leisure activities and relationships to reduce work obsession.
Implications for Physical and Mental Health
Excessive work and chronic stress can lead to physical and mental health problems such as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and an increased susceptibility to illnesses. Experiencing symptoms of work addiction persistently and significantly impacting one's life may indicate a pattern that requires attention and intervention. Indicators that suggest a person may benefit from professional help include persistent physical and mental health issues related to difficulty detaching from work, an impact on overall well-being, difficulty managing or stopping certain behaviours, experiencing chronic stress and burnout, and impaired functioning in daily life and relationships.
Conclusion
Work addiction arises from complex interactions between psychological vulnerabilities, social pressures, and individual behavioural patterns. While it is not yet formally classified, treatment focuses on addressing these root causes and helping individuals regain balanced work habits. This approach is consistent with general behavioural addiction treatment strategies emphasising therapy, coping skill development, and lifestyle changes. It is crucial to remember that while work can be a positive and rewarding aspect of life, an unhealthy obsession can lead to detrimental consequences for both the individual and their relationships.
- Psychological factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and a history of anxiety can contribute to the development of work addiction.
- The use of psychology, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is often used in the treatment of work addiction to address maladaptive thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
- neglected mental health, including anxiety and depression, can co-occur with work addiction and lead to compulsive behaviours seeking relief or control.
- Psychiatry, along with psychology, plays a significant role in the treatment of work addiction as it helps explore underlying psychological causes and provides interventions for addressing work-life balance issues.
- The science of health and wellness emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life, highlighting the potential detrimental consequences of an unhealthy obsession with work on both an individual's mental health and relationships.
