"Det räcker inte med en spakurs"- utmattningssyndrom ur psykodynamiskt och existentiellt perspektiv

Sammanfattning: Stress-related illness in Sweden is on the increase and notably, cases of stress-related exhaustion. The aim of this study was to widen the understanding of stress-related exhaustion and to shed light on it from a psychodynamic and an existential perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten experienced psychotherapists about their way of understanding and working with stress-related exhaustion. The data was analysed using thematic analysis methods that identified ten themes. The results of the study pointed to important psychotherapeutic aspects, such as the body’s signals and how these can be understood, as well as approaches to human vulnerability and relations to oneself and others. The study showed that stress-related exhaustion might be seen as a life crisis that needs an individualised approach. In addition, the study highlighted the importance of seeing the impact on people affected by stress-related exhaustion in its context. This expanded understanding raises the question of how humans can find a sustainable way of living in today’s world. The results are discussed in relation to the usefulness of psychotherapy with people suffering from symptoms of stress-related exhaustion. Finally the study explored how further research could be conducted with the aim of broadening the understanding of stress-related exhaustion.