Subjective Exhaustion in Stress-Related Disorders: Effects on the Utilization of Health Care, on Work Ability, and on Well-Being

Exhaustion is a symptom of many mental disorders. We examined whether the quality of subjective exhaustion is a reliable indicator of stress-related disorders and the resulting direct, indirect, and intangible health costs. We applied an exhaustion scale (Neuropattern Questionnaire, NPQ-S) and determined cut-off values and assessed reliability in a population-based representative sample (N = 998). External validity was examined in employees (N = 69) with stress-related symptoms by using measures from related questionnaires on burnout and effort-reward imbalance. Validity was further assessed by measures from structured anamnestic interviews of physicians with outpatients regarding mental disorders and health costs (N = 455). The reliability and validity of the quality of exhaustion were classified as good to very good. The results showed that increased levels of exhaustion are associated with increased stress, increased likelihood of mental disorders, and increased costs (reduced well-being and more frequent therapeutic consultations, drug use, and sick leave). We observed that the quality of exhaustion is a nonspecific predictor of mental disorders and that our exhaustion scale can serve as an economic instrument for the indication and evaluation of health promotion.