Psychomotor Retardation: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

What Is Psychomotor Retardation?

Psychomotor retardation is a slowing down of thoughts and physical movements, often as a symptom of mental health conditions, medications, or substances. It is most often observed in people with major depressive disorder but can also occur in people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Psychomotor retardation can make simple daily tasks like self-care, household chores, and preparing meals feel extremely difficult.¹

Signs & Symptoms of Psychomotor Retardation

Signs and symptoms of psychomotor retardation include feeling physically slow or sluggish, difficulty completing mental tasks or tasks of daily living, low energy, and sluggishness.  These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function in their daily life

Signs and symptoms of psychomotor retardation in adults include:

• Being physically slowed down or sluggish
• Difficulty completing mental tasks like counting or making decisions
• Reduced mobility
• Listlessness
• Low energy levels

Signs and symptoms of psychomotor retardation in children include:²

• A significant reduction in physical activity, different from their norm
• A delay in reaching psychomotor development milestones
•  Delayed speech and language development
•  Sluggishness
•  A delay in responding to verbal cues
•  Listlessness
•  A lack of motivation to play or do other fun activities

Causes of Psychomotor Retardation

Various factors can trigger or contribute to psychomotor retardation. These include mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Psychomotor retardation can also be the result of medication side effects or the use and misuse of substances.

Potential causes for psychomotor retardation include:

Underlying Mental Health Conditions

Several underlying mental health conditions can lead to psychomotor retardation, either as a direct symptom of the disorder or as the result of medication. Both major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder have psychomotor retardation as a defining symptom. Other mental health disorders can contribute more indirectly, such as a person feeling mentally exhausted and shut down as the result of intense anxiety.

Common underlying mental health conditions that can cause psychomotor retardation include:

• Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder can manifest as psychomotor retardation, slowing down an individual’s physical and cognitive functions. Some of the most common symptoms of major depressive disorder are a lack of energy, feeling slowed down, and not having any interest in things that used to be enjoyable.³
• Bipolar disorder: Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder create the same symptoms as those of major depressive disorder, causing a person to feel lethargic and slowed down with decreased energy.⁴
• Schizophrenia: Psychomotor retardation may also be a symptom for individuals with schizophrenia, impacting their movements and speech. Schizophrenia can cause people to rapidly swing between psychomotor retardation and psychomotor agitation.⁵
• Catatonia: Catatonic depression and catatonic schizophrenia are severe neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by altered movement patterns, including psychomotor retardation. This can cause immobility or unresponsiveness, and a person experiencing catatonia may hold their body in a rigid pose.
• Certain anxiety disorders: Severe anxiety, particularly in cases of panic disorder and agoraphobia, may lead to psychomotor retardation. While psychomotor retardation is not a core symptom of anxiety like it is in schizophrenia, it can lead to fatigue, overwhelm, and a feeling of being mentally drained, which can be similar to psychomotor retardation.
• Substance-induced disorders: Misuse of specific substances, such as alcohol misuse or sedatives, can induce psychomotor retardation. Substances can either slow down or speed up motor activity. Depressants like alcohol or opioids cause slow reaction times and psychomotor retardation while under the influence. These symptoms can appear especially during withdrawal,  which can cause a person to feel slowed down.

Medications & Substances

Certain medications or substances can induce or exacerbate psychomotor retardation. Sometimes, this is intentional, as in the case of sedatives, to control symptoms of anxiety or bipolar mania, and sometimes it is an unintentional side effect. For example, a prescribed or over-the-counter medication used to treat a cold causes drowsiness and slowed reaction times.

Common medications and substances that can cause psychomotor retardation include:

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, can induce psychomotor retardation as a side effect. While the main purpose of these medications is to reduce the impact of depression, some people may notice a slowing of physical movement and thinking. Remember, it’s important to discuss any side effects with your physician.
• Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers can also induce psychomotor retardation as a side effect. Mood stabilizers, which are often prescribed for bipolar disorder and certain cases of depression, are designed to level out a person’s mood and decrease mood swings. This can sometimes lead to a slowing down of physical and cognitive activity.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system, affecting physical and mental activity. A person is more likely to experience psychomotor retardation while under the influence of alcohol, as alcohol creates symptoms similar to depression. A person experiencing alcohol withdrawal.  is more likely to cause psychomotor retardation.⁶
• Sedatives: The role of sedatives is to decrease anxiety and agitation and can cause psychomotor retardation. Sometimes, slowing down psychomotor and cognitive activity is the goal, but if the dosage isn’t right, it can lead to excessive psychomotor retardation
• Over-the-counter medications: Medications like antihistamines, cold medicine, sleep aids, and pain relievers can cause drowsiness and psychomotor retardation.

Psychomotor retardation caused by medications and substances can put someone at greater risk for impairment and accidents. It is important for a person to work closely with their prescribing healthcare provider for medication management. Substance abuse prevention can play an important role in reducing the risk of substance-related accidents caused by psychomotor retardation.

Neurological Factors

An imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can affect mood regulation and lead to slowed movement and thinking. Physical changes in the brain related to mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia also contribute.⁷

Impact of Psychomotor Retardation

Psychomotor retardation has a profound impact on a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Ordinary physical and mental tasks can feel overwhelming. This can decrease productivity at work and make regular household tasks and personal hygiene very difficult. These symptoms can be so serious that an individual can become unable to work or care for themself.

How Is Psychomotor Retardation Diagnosed?

Psychomotor retardation is diagnosed by a mental health or healthcare provider through a comprehensive assessment, including clinical interviews and psychological testing. They will observe a person’s physical movements, speech, or response to questions. They will also interview the person and consider their mental health, medical history, and any medications they are taking.

Criteria used to identify psychomotor retardation include:

• Slowed down physical movements
• Delayed thought processing
• Slowed speech
• Delayed responses in conversations
• Lethargy
• Difficulty completing daily tasks
• Lack of energy

How to Cope With Psychomotor Retardation

Psychomotor retardation can be challenging and make simple activities of daily life difficult. In addition to seeking professional medical care, there are lifestyle changes and coping skills that can help a person cope. Regular gentle exercise and a healthy diet can increase energy levels. Time management skills are crucial for ensuring productivity. Finally, practicing self-compassion for areas where you fall short is crucial.

Here are some strategies that can help to cope with psychomotor retardation:

• Establish a structured routine: A daily routine can help a person predict and manage their energy levels throughout the day.
• Know your own rhythms: Most people have a certain time of day when they feel more physically energized or mentally alert. Track your mood and energy level in your journal and schedule those tasks during the times that work best for you.
• Work on time management: Allow extra time for tasks in order to account for slower movement and mental processing. This can help reduce frustration and self-criticism.
• Practice self-compassion: Psychomotor retardation makes everything feel like an uphill battle. You are going through a lot. Be kind to yourself, and remind yourself that you are capable. It’s okay if things take a little longer.
• Prioritize what is most important: You may not have the energy in the day to do all of the things you want to do. Prioritize the most important things that align most closely with your goals and values. Even if you only get one thing done, it will be one of the important things.
• Ask for support from loved ones: Letting family and friends know what you are struggling with and giving them specific asks can go a long way in coping with psychomotor retardation. Remember, you don’t owe anyone information on your personal symptoms, but opening up to people you trust gives them the opportunity to support you in areas you are falling short.
• Use spoon theory: Spoon theory is a metaphor for how much energy an individual has. According to the theory, you have a finite number of spoons per day, and every time you complete an activity that takes energy, it takes one of your spoons. Living with psychomotor retardation can decrease the number of spoons you start out with. Be intentional and thoughtful about what you use your spoons on so you have energy left for the things that matter most.⁸

When to Seek Professional Support

While everyone has low energy days from time to time, if feeling slowed down mentally and physically is a regular occurrence and is impacting your ability to work, go to school, or function at home, consult a healthcare provider. They can help you discover what is causing your symptoms and provide you with referrals to therapists and/or psychiatrists who can provide medications and coping skills as needed.

An online therapist directory is a great tool for finding a therapist in your area who specializes in psychomotor retardation. Alternatively, if psychomotor retardation makes it difficult for you to leave home, you can explore the options of an online therapy service. Online psychiatrist options are available as well.

Treatment for Psychomotor Retardation

The treatment of psychomotor retardation requires a comprehensive treatment plan that is reflective of the underlying cause. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and therapy. If psychomotor retardation is caused by a mental health condition like depression or bipolar disorder, it can be addressed by adding or adjusting medications.

Treatment for psychomotor retardation involves:

Medication Management

Medication can play a role in managing psychomotor retardation. The medication that gets selected for use would depend on the underlying condition believed to be causing the motor symptoms. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan. Sometimes, this involves adjusting current medications, and sometimes it involves starting new ones.

Medications used to treat psychomotor retardation include:

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs, are used to manage psychomotor retardation.  Antidepressants help to reduce symptoms of depression, including psychomotor retardation, lethargy, and lack of energy.
• Mood Stabilizers: Mood stabilizers, including lithium and anticonvulsants, can also be used to manage psychomotor retardation.  Mood stabilizers are used to level out the ups and downs of mood. This can include correcting the extreme lows that can occur in bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and include psychomotor retardation.
• Antipsychotic Medications: Antipsychotics, including Seroquel and Abilify, may sometimes be used to manage psychomotor retardation. Antipsychotics or more often known for causing psychomotor retardation rather than fixing it. However, they do help to regulate the neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
• Medications for anxiety or sedatives: Medications for anxiety, including benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine sedatives, are often used to treat people who suffer from extreme anxiety or agitation. They are not likely to be used directly to treat psychomotor retardation but can help reduce related symptoms like anxiety which can cause a person to feel paralyzed and unable to get started.

Therapy & Counseling

Counseling and emotional support in recovery can help a person cope with the frustration and emotional distress they feel related to psychomotor retardation. A therapist can help someone build coping skills, increase their support system, and change the negative and self-critical thoughts they have about themselves due to their condition.

Therapy and counseling options used to treat psychomotor retardation include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):  CBT is a type of therapy that addresses negative and unhealthy thought patterns that can influence mood. CBT can help people increase their coping skills, improve their self-esteem, and change negative self-talk, which could contribute to a lack of energy and psychomotor retardation.
• Interpersonal therapy: Interpersonal therapy is focused on improving communication and relationships. Relationship interactions can have an effect on mood and increase stress, so this type of therapy could improve mood and indirectly reduce the impact of psychomotor retardation.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious emotional issues that might be contributing to mood and behavior. This could help someone resolve any past issues that might be contributing to symptoms of psychomotor retardation.
• Creative therapies: Creative therapies like art therapy or music therapy can improve mood and promote healthy self-expression. This provides a way to process difficult emotions, improve mood and reduce symptoms like psychomotor retardation.

How to Support a Loved One With Psychomotor Retardation

Psychomotor retardation is frustrating for the person experiencing it, as well as their loved ones. Supporting someone who struggles with psychomotor retardation requires patience and understanding. Ordinary tasks will most likely take them longer than others, and they may feel frustrated and upset at themselves. Offer emotional support, patience, and a listening ear if they would like to talk.