The HPA-axis and immune function in burnout.

Burnout results from chronic work stress. Its complaints may be related to HPA-axis disturbances or changes in immune function. In our studies the salivary cortisol awakening response, day-curve, and the suppressed level after dexamethasone intake were not different in a burned-out group compared to a control group. Nor was there a change in cortisol after a treatment period. Higher levels of DHEAS and the monocyte released anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were observed, however T-cell stimulated and dexamethasone inhibited cytokine release were not affected. The increased IL-10 level may be related to an increased sensitivity for infections.