Which term describes slowed movements often seen in depression?

Which term describes slowed movements often seen in depression?

• A. Psychomotor agitation
• B. Psychomotor retardation
• C. Spontaneous movement
• D. Rigidity

Answer: (C)

Slowed movements in depression are described by psychomotor retardation. This term captures the overall slowing of both thinking and physical activity—examples include slower speech, delayed responses, and a reduced ability to initiate or complete movements. It helps differentiate from psychomotor agitation, where there’s restlessness and excessive movement rather than slowing. Spontaneous movement isn’t a standard descriptor for this pattern, and rigidity refers to stiffness or inflexibility of movement seen in other conditions like catatonia or drug-induced parkinsonism rather than the typical depressive presentation.

Slowed movements in depression are described by psychomotor retardation. This term captures the overall slowing of both thinking and physical activity—examples include slower speech, delayed responses, and a reduced ability to initiate or complete movements. It helps differentiate from psychomotor agitation, where there’s restlessness and excessive movement rather than slowing. Spontaneous movement isn’t a standard descriptor for this pattern, and rigidity refers to stiffness or inflexibility of movement seen in other conditions like catatonia or drug-induced parkinsonism rather than the typical depressive presentation.