How would you document psychomotor retardation observed during a mental status examination?

• A. Note slowed speech and movements, decreased facial expressions, reduced activity; indicates diminished psychomotor activity.
• B. Note increased agitation and tremor.
• C. Note rapid speech and hyperactivity.
• D. Note normal psychomotor activity.

Answer: (A)

Psychomotor retardation is the observable slowing of both mental processes and physical actions. When documenting it, you describe concrete signs you can see: slower speech, slowed and less purposeful movements, diminished facial expressions or gestures, and an overall reduction in activity. This combination shows a dampened tempo of thought and action, which is a hallmark you look for in conditions like Depression.

The best description is the one that notes slowed speech and movements, decreased facial expressions, and reduced activity, because it directly captures this slowing of motor and cognitive processes in a clear, objective way.

Notes about increased agitation and tremor point to heightened motor activity or involuntary movements, not retardation. Rapid speech and hyperactivity reflect the opposite pattern. Normal psychomotor activity would not signal retardation.