Abstract

Work addiction is recognized as a behavioral addiction characterized by a compulsive need to work, often at the expense of physical, mental, and relational well-being. Originally defined by Oates (1971), this disorder shares features with substance addictions and includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions (Ng et al., 2007). In some countries such as the U.S. or Japan, it is culturally encouraged, whereas in Nordic countries, lower prevalence rates are observed.
This presentation draws from theoretical models (Robinson, 2014; Bandura, 1977; Burke, 1999) and epidemiological studies to identify risk factors, such as perfectionism, high-performance work cultures, and blurred personal-professional boundaries. The psychological toll of workaholism can manifest in chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and even somatic illness. The cultural notion of "karoshi" (death by overwork) in Japan reflects its most extreme consequence.
In clinical practice, work addiction is evaluated using multidimensional tools focusing on behavior patterns, emotional avoidance, family dynamics, and comorbidities. Therapeutic strategies involve rebalancing the patient's personal and professional life, fostering value clarification, restructuring dysfunctional thoughts, and establishing healthy boundaries. One central goal is helping patients dissociate their self-worth from productivity.
Preventive strategies are presented on three levels:

• Primary: public awareness and reframing success narratives;
• Secondary: early detection and personalized therapeutic support;
• Tertiary: use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and long-term follow-up, as recommended by Maslach & Leiter (2016).

This session will also include clinical insights and case illustrations to highlight the role of psychotherapy in preventing relapses and restoring personal identity beyond professional roles.