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Psychomotor retardation is a symptom of certain psychological disorders involving a general reduction in the speed of thinking and difficulty or slowness in movement and speech. It can be caused by mental factors or physical conditions and can affect mental and physical processes. Treatment is usually related to treatment of its underlying cause, which is usually severe depression or bipolar disorder.
Psychomotor retardation, also known as psychomotor impairment, is a symptom of certain psychological disorders involving a general reduction in the speed of thinking and difficulty or slowness in movement and speech. There are several mental disorders that can cause impairment of motor skills; such symptoms are common in cases of severe depression and bipolar disorder. While it can be caused solely by mental factors, it is also thought to be associated with some physical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, as well as some medications, especially psychiatric medications when taken in improper doses.
Psychomotor retardation can present in many forms, ranging from a general slowing of movement to difficulty speaking coherently. Often it presents itself simply as a difficulty in motivating oneself, a characteristic trait of those suffering from depression. Simple tasks, like taking a shower or even getting out of bed in the morning, can feel extraordinarily difficult. In other cases, this deficiency occurs in a form resembling physical motor disability. You may find that it is suddenly very difficult to lift relatively light objects, such as plates or books, or that walking up a slope has become much more challenging than it ever was in the past.
Sometimes, psychomotor retardation affects mental rather than physical processes, but the effect is generally the same: activities that were once simple become difficult for no apparent reason. Basic arithmetic, such as that used to pay for items in the store, can suddenly become confusing or challenging. Other mental tasks, like finding directions on a map or planning your schedule, can also become inexplicably difficult.
In some cases, the challenges associated with psychomotor retardation are related to distance. Individuals may be able to function relatively normally if they do not need to leave their home or room. This tends to cause difficulties, as most people need to leave the house from time to time for work, school, shopping or carrying children.
Treatment of psychomotor retardation is usually related to treatment of its underlying cause, which is usually severe depression or bipolar disorder. Treatment sometimes involves therapy; individuals who meet with therapists on a regular basis can sometimes move beyond their illnesses and lead mentally healthy lives. In other cases, the nature of the ailment requires medication. Drugs tend to stabilize people’s moods and relieve them of the symptoms of their illnesses, but they often carry the risk of addiction or other unpleasant side effects. If the problem is caused by medication or improper dosage, switching to another medication or adjusting the dosage under the supervision of a doctor may help.
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