Psychomotor retardation

Psychomotor retardation
Other namesPsychomotor impairment, motormental retardation, psychomotor slowing
SpecialtyPsychiatry

Psychomotor retardation involves a slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movements in an individual. It can cause a visible slowing of physical and emotional reactions, including speech and affect.[1]

Psychomotor retardation is most commonly seen in people with major depression and in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder;[2] it is also associated with the adverse effects of certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines.[3] Particularly in an inpatient setting, psychomotor retardation may require increased nursing care to ensure adequate food and fluid intake and sufficient personal care. Informed consent for treatment is more difficult to achieve in the presence of this condition.[citation needed]

  1. ^ Tryon, W.W., 1991. Activity Measurement in Psychology and Medicine. Springer Publishing /Plenum Press. doi:10.1007/978-1-4757-9003-0
  2. ^ Buyukdura JS, McClintock SM, Croarkin PE (2011). "Psychomotor retardation in depression: biological underpinnings, measurement, and treatment". Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 35 (2): 395–409. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.10.019. PMC 3646325. PMID 21044654.
  3. ^ Allgulander, C.; Bandelow, B.; Hollander, E.; Montgomery, SA.; Nutt, DJ.; Okasha, A.; Pollack, MH.; Stein, DJ.; et al. (Aug 2003). "WCA recommendations for the long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder". CNS Spectr. 8 (8 Suppl 1): 53–61. doi:10.1017/S1092852900006945. PMID 14767398. S2CID 32761147.