Psychomotor Retardation

Psychomotor retardation, also known as psychomotor impairment or motor-mental retardation, involves a generalized slowing-down of speech and physical actions, reactions, and affect. This is most-commonly seen in cases of major depression and in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder. It is also associated with the adverse effects of certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines. This condition can be treated, depending on the cause, using treatment methods for depression and/or the discontinuation, dosage adjustment, or change of medications.