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.
Psychomotor retardation is most commonly seen in people with major depression and in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder; it is also associated with the adverse effects of certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines.
Causes
- Psychiatric disorders: anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, severe depression, etc.
- Psychiatric medicines (if taken as prescribed or improperly, overdosed, or mixed with alcohol)
- Parkinson's disease
- Genetic disorders: Qazi–Markouizos syndrome, Say–Meyer syndrome, Tranebjaerg-Svejgaard syndrome, Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome, Wilson's disease, etc.
Examples
Examples of psychomotor retardation include the following:
In schizophrenia, activity level may vary from psychomotor retardation to agitation; the patient experiences periods of listlessness and may be unresponsive, and at the next moment be active and energetic.
See also
- Psychomotor learning
- Psychomotor agitation
- Disorders of diminished motivation