Work addiction: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

In the ever-evolving economy, many people are working hard and feeling exhausted. The conventional wisdom is that someone who is overworked is responsible and ethical. However, work addiction should be viewed as a health problem requiring treatment.

Like other addictions, work addiction is actually a mental health condition in which the sufferer is unable to stop the behavior. Workaholics often stem from a need to gain status and success, or to escape emotional stress. This syndrome often occurs in perfectionists.
Like a drug or alcohol addiction, a workaholic will feel drawn to work. This causes them to continue to repeat this behavior without being able to stop, regardless of whether their personal lives or mental and physical health are being negatively affected.
In fact, work addiction is often seen as a positive trait rather than a problem. People who work a lot will be appreciated and even rewarded, both financially and culturally. However, work addiction can interfere with relationships outside of work and activities outside of work, similar to other addictions.
Instead of feeling healthy like people who put in effort and dedication to their work, people who fall into workaholics may be unhappy and miserable about their work. They may be overly concerned with their work, feel out of control of their desire to work, and spend too much time, energy, and effort at work.

In a culture where hard work is commended and overtime is often required, workaholics can be difficult to spot. Workaholics will often justify their behavior by explaining it's a good thing and helping them achieve success. They can be seen as people who are responsible for their work or determined to help successful projects. However, passion and addiction are completely different.
Workaholics may bury their head in work to avoid other aspects of their life, like emotional troubles or personal crises. Similar to other addictions, the person will engage in the behavior without being aware of the negative effects that have occurred.
Symptoms of work addiction include:
Working long hours at the office, even when not necessary Having to stay up late (even all night long) to participate in projects or complete tasks Obsessed with success at work Fear of failure at work Paranoia about work performance Cut off personal relationships because of work Not open to others about work Use work as a ways to avoid relationships Work to deal with guilt or depression Work to avoid facing crises, like the death of a loved one, divorce or financial trouble.

Like most addictions, work addiction will get worse over time if help is not sought. They can be physically and mentally exhausted if they are so immersed in their work that they are mentally and physically exhausted. Burnout can lead to extreme stress, broken relationships, and even drug abuse.
If left unchecked, workaholics can alienate friends and family. If this situation lasts too long, these relationships will be lost forever. In addition, chronic stress caused by continuous work also affects physical health.
Overwork can also lead to a weakened immune system and an increased risk of disease. But luckily, workaholics are manageable. After treatment, patients can restore a healthy work-life balance.

The Bergen work addiction scale is accepted in the medical community, with frequency scores as follows:
Never (1) Rarely (2) Sometimes (3) Frequently (4) Always ( 5) Items that are required to be scored include:
Have you ever thought of ways to spend more time at work. Working helps you reduce guilt, helplessness, depression, and anxiety. You were asked to reduce your working time but ignored it. You spend more time at work than you originally planned. You become stressed when you can't work. You spend more time working instead of relaxing with personal hobbies, fun activities and exercise. Working a lot has bad effects on your health. If you answered “often” or “always” to at least 4 of the items listed above, you may have workaholic disorder.

If you have a work addiction, you may not need the same treatment as a drug addict. However, you can request an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program to manage behavior.
Although rehabilitation is more common among people with alcohol and drug abuse, heavy workaholics can also benefit from this intensive approach. Inpatient treatment requires you to stay in a medical facility while you recover. Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home, but must attend classes and counseling during the day.
Many workaholics find help through various therapy groups and programs. For example, you can connect with others who are going through a similar situation and support each other in a healthy way.
Workaholics often work to avoid guilt, thinking they are lazy and not trying their best. Therefore, it is important for them to develop a healthy relationship with work. Most of us need to work to make ends meet, so in most cases treatment cannot simply stop working. Sometimes you need a break to realize that life goes on without constant work. Changing careers can also help control addiction.
Work addiction can be the result of another mental health condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or bipolar disorder. On the other hand, this syndrome can also cause mental health problems, such as depression.
For the reasons above, it can be helpful to have a mental health assessment with a professional to help you plan treatment and address work addiction and any underlying problems. In addition, other therapies, including medications, can be used to control impulses, anxiety, and stress.
It is best when the body shows signs of work addiction, you should go to specialized medical facilities for timely examination and treatment. Avoid long-term health conditions that will affect and interfere in activities and daily life.
Vinmec International General Hospital currently has a full range of specialties for intensive examination, treatment and rehabilitation, so when there are any health problems, customers can go to the hospital to be examined. by a team of highly qualified doctors.

Reference source: healthline.com - verywellmind.com