Which term describes slowed movements often seen in depression?

• A. Psychomotor agitation
• B. Psychomotor retardation
• C. Spontaneous movement
• D. Rigidity

Answer: (C)

Slowed movements in depression are described by psychomotor retardation. This term captures the overall slowing of both thinking and physical activity—examples include slower speech, delayed responses, and a reduced ability to initiate or complete movements. It helps differentiate from psychomotor agitation, where there’s restlessness and excessive movement rather than slowing. Spontaneous movement isn’t a standard descriptor for this pattern, and rigidity refers to stiffness or inflexibility of movement seen in other conditions like catatonia or drug-induced parkinsonism rather than the typical depressive presentation.