It is also sometimes referred to as psychomotor slowing or psychomotor impairment.
Experiencing psychomotor impairment feels as if a dial has been turned back, putting you on slow speed.
Psychomotor retardation occurs commonly during depressive episodes ofbipolar disorder, as well as duringmajor depressive disorder.
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In these circumstances, the effects are usually temporary and recede as the depression lifts.
That said, the development of psychomotor retardation does not always signal adepressive episode.
This can manifest in a variety of ways, largely depending on the severity of the impairment.
Delayed responsiveness and difficulty following another person’s conversation are common.
Complexmental processessuch as calculating a tip or mapping out directionstake longer to accomplish.
Common examples of physical impairment include:
A person with severe psychomotor retardation may appearcatatonic.
In this state, the person does not respond normally to others or the environment.
Catatonia is a medical emergency as it can become life-threatening.
Diagnosis
Psychomotor retardation isn’t a diagnosis in and of itself.
Instead, it is asymptom of major depressive disorder.
The degree of physical and mental blunting often correlates to the severity of the depressive episode.
Other psychiatric disorders sometimes associated with psychomotor retardation include:
Psychomotor impairment is also sometimes present withsubstance abuse.
Treatment
Several steps can be taken to help treat psychomotor slowing.
Medication
Reviewing current medications is one of the first steps in addressing psychomotor retardation.
This is important to determine whether medication side effects might be triggering the physical and mental slowness.
Certainanti-anxiety drugsandantipsychotic medicationscommonly prescribed for bipolar disorder are possible culprits.
The choice of medication or combination of medicines is made on an individual basis.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If psychomotor impairment is due to a depressive episode, treating the depression can help reduce the impairment.
For some, psychomotor slowness is short-term, easing or resolving as depression is treated.
Psychomotor slowing can be due to factors other than those associated with depression.
Certain medications can lead to psychomotor impairment, for instance.
Psychomotor retardation is also sometimes associated with other health conditions.
Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your slower movement and thought patterns.
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