A 29-year-old member asked:
Is psychomotor agitation different from psychomotor retardation?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Reynoldsanswered
Psychiatry 35 years experience
Yes: Psychomotor agitation refers to purposeless and restless activity. The person may need to pace around the room, even if he or she wants to rest or sit down. Psychomotor retardation refers to a generalized slowing of psychological and physical activity.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Satinoveranswered
Psychiatry 41 years experience
Opposites: Psychomotor refers to thoughts and actions; retard to inhibited, and agitated to excited.So the one means that one's thoughts and actions are inhibited, hence slowed down--it takes 30 seconds to answer, "what is your name"? The other means that ones thoughts and actions are rapid and agitated, "why are you asking me that?" [jumps up, irritated] "i can't stand being here" [sits down again]-in 3 secs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 19, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
