ABSTRACT
With increasing severity, burnout corresponds to a state of significant suffering with impaired social functioning, decreased quality of life, and psychosomatic complaints. The present study investigates (a) how former patients of an inpatient clinic for burnout therapy can be grouped on the basis of their psychological characteristics and (b) whether these groups correspond to different levels of residual symptoms (depression and burnout) and general mental health. Cluster analysis of psychological characteristics was used to form groups. Four specific groups could be identified (functionals, dysfunctionals, straightforward pragmatists, unhappy altruists). This grouping, with subsequent characterization according to symptom levels, provides important information indicating possible needs for aftercare and suggests areas for improvement of previous care.
