Table 1 Diagnostic criteria for Exhaustion Disorder according to the National Board of Health and Welfare (2003)

Physical and mental symptoms of exhaustion with minimum two weeks duration. The symptoms have developed in response to one or more identifiable stressors which have been present for at least 6 months.

Markedly reduced mental energy, which is manifested by reduced initiative, lack of endurance, or increase of time needed for recovery after mental efforts.

At least four of the following symptoms have been present most of the day, nearly every day, during the same 2-week period:

Persistent complaints of impaired memory.

Markedly reduced capacity to tolerate demands or to work under time pressure.

Emotional instability or irritability.

Insomnia or hypersomnia.

Persistent complaints of physical weakness or fatigue.

Physical symptoms such as muscular pain, chest pain, palpitations, gastrointestinal problems, vertigo or increased sensitivity to sounds.

The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g. a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g. hypothyroidism, diabetes, infectious disease).

If criteria for major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder are met, exhaustion disorder is set a co-morbid condition.