Burnout: evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of TARGET 1® for professional fatigue syndrome (burnout)

J Int Med Res. 2015 Feb;43(1):54-66. doi: 10.1177/0300060514558324. Epub 2014 Dec 23.

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of a dietary supplement (TARGET 1®: a combination of casozepine, taurine, Eleutherococcus senticosus and extramel) on burnout symptomatology.

Methods: A 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in workers engaged in professional contact with patients, students or clients. All were affected by burnout syndrome based on a score of ≥4 on the Burnout Measure Scale (BMS-10). The primary outcome measure was the change in the BMS-10 score; secondary outcome measures included the change in the Maslach's Burnout Inventory scale-Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS) score and the Beck Depression Inventory. Five scores were evaluated.

Results: Eighty-seven participants were enrolled in the study: 44 received the active formulation (verum group); 43 received placebo. After 12 weeks' supplementation, the placebo group showed significant improvements in scores for BMS-10, MBI-HSS fatigue and the Beck Depression Inventory, but MBI-HSS depersonalization and task management were not improved; the verum group showed significant improvements in all five scores. The verum group consistently showed significantly greater improvements in scores than the placebo group.

Conclusions: TARGET 1® significantly improved the symptoms of burnout after 12 weeks' use.

Keywords: Burnout; TARGET 1®; dietary supplement; professional fatigue.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burnout, Professional / drug therapy*
  • Capsaicin / adverse effects
  • Capsaicin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Capsaicin / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Placebos
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / adverse effects*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / therapeutic use*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taurine / adverse effects*
  • Taurine / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Analog Scale

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Placebos
  • Plant Extracts
  • TARGET 1 dietary supplement
  • Taurine
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Capsaicin