Which term indicates significant slowing of speech and body movements, with a lack of usual fidgetiness?

Which term indicates significant slowing of speech and body movements, with a lack of usual fidgetiness?

• A. Psychomotor Agitation
• B. Psychomotor Retardation
• C. Expansive Mood
• D. Euphoric Mood

Answer: (B)

Psychomotor slowing is a feature where thinking and movement slow markedly, so speech becomes noticeably slower and physical movements are sluggish. The absence of typical fidgetiness points away from agitation and toward this slowing of activity. In clinical terms, psychomotor retardation reflects a reduction in both motor and cognitive tempo, which can be seen in depressive states and severe illnesses. Psychomotor agitation, in contrast, would present with restlessness and increased, not decreased, activity—so you’d see pacing, fidgeting, or rapid movements. Expansive mood and euphoric mood describe elevated or elated affect often seen in mania, focusing on mood rather than the motor slowing described here. Thus, the term that best fits the described slowing of speech and body movements with a lack of fidgetiness is psychomotor retardation.

Psychomotor slowing is a feature where thinking and movement slow markedly, so speech becomes noticeably slower and physical movements are sluggish. The absence of typical fidgetiness points away from agitation and toward this slowing of activity. In clinical terms, psychomotor retardation reflects a reduction in both motor and cognitive tempo, which can be seen in depressive states and severe illnesses.

Psychomotor agitation, in contrast, would present with restlessness and increased, not decreased, activity—so you’d see pacing, fidgeting, or rapid movements. Expansive mood and euphoric mood describe elevated or elated affect often seen in mania, focusing on mood rather than the motor slowing described here. Thus, the term that best fits the described slowing of speech and body movements with a lack of fidgetiness is psychomotor retardation.