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editorial
. 2012 Apr;25(2):174–183. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2012.11928824

Table 3.

Symptoms of compassion fatigue∗

Work-related Physical Emotional

  • Avoidance or dread of working with certain patients

  • Reduced ability to feel empathy towards patients or families

  • Frequent use of sick days

  • Lack of joyfulness

  • Headaches

  • Digestive problems: diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach

  • Muscle tension

  • Sleep disturbances: inability to sleep, insomnia, too much sleep

  • Fatigue

  • Cardiac symptoms: chest pain/pressure, palpitations, tachycardia

  • Mood swings

  • Restlessness

  • Irritability

  • Oversensitivity

  • Anxiety

  • Excessive use of substances: nicotine, alcohol, illicit drugs

  • Depression

  • Anger and resentment

  • Loss of objectivity

  • Memory issues

  • Poor concentration, focus, and judgment
∗

From Landro, 2012 (8).