
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Psychomotor retardation
Introduction
Overview
Psychomotor retardation comprises a slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movements in a person. This is most commonly seen in people with clinical depression where it indicates a degree of severity. It is often accompanied by psychosis. People with this can sometimes be mistaken as having dementia. Psychomotor retardation can require increased nursing care to ensure adequate food and fluid intake as well as self-care. Informed consent for treatment is more difficult to achieve when this is present.
Psychomotor retardation is also referred to as motormental retardation, commonly seen in depression and bipolar disorder.
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
