Workaholics - Book Report/Review Example

The term work-holism is preceded by workaholic, was coined by Dr. Richard Evans in the 60s, and has become a common word, although it is not clear whether it is a negative trait or a positive one. In negative terms, it is defined as a disease that could cause OCD where an individual is unable to stop working since it becomes a compulsion for them. People view work-holism in a different manner compared to other dependencies. While it can be viewed as a respectable addiction, this does not adequately capture the attitude that prevails towards this condition (Antoniou & Cooper, 2005).

The Statistical and Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders that recognize caffeine as being a dependency does not refer to work as a dependency or addiction. While Bill Gates is a certified workaholic, for instance, no one has suggested that he uses a support group. Nonetheless, these groups do exist with Workaholics Anonymous that was founded in 1983 having over one thousand members to date with meetings in various cities such as Bangkok, London, Paris, and Reykjavik. Its newsletter contains testimonials, for example, stating that some members were addicted to activity, as well as how they dealt with the malady (Antoniou & Cooper, 2005). . Psychology today, meanwhile, outlined four main types of work addicts, i.e. the muddled multi-tasker, the stress junkie, the manic perfectionist, and the person who is powerless when it comes to letting go of a project.

They also explored sundry neurosis and narcissism that underlie the disease. While this categorization may seem academic, its aim is the real world, and it aims to make people aware that they possess a condition that can be identified, making them more likely to seek help (Robinson, 2007). It has become abundantly clear that this class of people requires help; research has found that those who work for at fifty hours every week are more prone to having alcoholic issues. Over workers are more likely to suffer heart disease than those who do not over work.

In addition, middle-aged people who work for over 55 hours are more likely to be disproportionately of slow wit and have a higher risk of dementia (Robinson, 2007). Work addiction has even become a study at a cellular level and workaholics operate on a flight or fight response that causes a drench of adrenalin, norepinephrine, and cortisol. This condition can also cause compromised immune systems, diabetes; hear attacks, and GIT problems. Those who tend to overwork are also susceptible to over consumption of coffee, as well as depression and stress, broken nuptials, eat bad food, get less sleep, and lack regular exercise (Robinson, 2007).

The result of all this is ill health. The Japanese have a word for work addiction, karoshi, which also means death by work. However, according to International Labor Organization figures, workers in the United States work for more hours a day compared to those workers in