What Is Psychomotor Retardation?
Psychomotor retardation, also known as psychomotor impairment, is a symptom of some psychological disorders that involve a general reduction in the speed of thought and difficulty or slowness in movement and speech. It is important to note that psychomotor retardation does not have a physical cause; it is purely psychological in nature. There are a few different mental disorders that can cause impairment in motor skills; such symptoms are common in cases of severe depression and bipolar disorder. This psychological disorder is an example of a somatoform disorder, or a mental disorder that presents itself through physical symptoms that have no underlying physical cause. Psychomotor retardation can present itself in many forms, varying from a general slowing of movement to difficulty in speaking coherently. It often presents itself simply as difficulty in becoming motivated, a trait characteristic of those who suffer from depression. Simple tasks, such as showering or even getting out of
