Psychiatrist disputes existence of post-vacation syndrome

Psychiatrist Vincenzo Barretta, scientific director of the Noesis Center in Naples, has challenged the concept of ‘post-vacation syndrome,’ stating it is not a recognized clinical diagnosis. He argues that the difficulty of returning to routine is a normal physiological process rather than a medical condition.

Barretta suggests that labeling this transition as a syndrome can be counterproductive, as it may distract from more significant mental health issues that emerge in autumn. He notes that the perceived difficulty of returning to work is often due to the erosion of true disconnection during holidays. Because of digital connectivity, professional obligations frequently intrude upon personal time via email and social media, preventing employees from ever truly being absent from their work context.