Just came across this interesting and good article on Burnout by Scott Boms .
I have already read this some time back and might be a bit old article too but the content mentioned in it is definitely worth reading specially for Programmers .
Scott explains the term “Burnout” and explains Freudenberger’s research on it and differentiates Burnout and depression.
Scott also explains how Burnout happens and how to recover or prevent burnout .
There are few points in the article which i feel is definitely accepted.
- A compulsion to prove oneself
- Neglecting one’s own needs
- and the list goes on …
There was another reason that came to my attention …”Working Harder” . Not sure if that can cause Burnout until you enjoy doing it 
Hope Working Smarter can prevent Burnout
Read the article on Burnout by Scott Boms here
