Psychomotor agitation is defined as?

Study for the Primary Clinical Skills- Intro to Mental Status Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Psychomotor agitation is defined as?

Explanation:
Psychomotor agitation is an observable increase in motor activity driven by inner tension and restlessness. You’ll notice pacing, fidgeting, hand-wringing, tapping, or an inability to sit still. This pattern accompanies states of heightened arousal like anxiety, mania, or an agitated depression, which is why the description “increased motor activity associated with anxiety, mania, or depression” fits best. It’s the opposite of psychomotor retardation, where movements, speech, and thought are slowed. It’s not cessation of movement or random, involuntary movements that point to other issues like chorea or dyskinesia.

Psychomotor agitation is an observable increase in motor activity driven by inner tension and restlessness. You’ll notice pacing, fidgeting, hand-wringing, tapping, or an inability to sit still. This pattern accompanies states of heightened arousal like anxiety, mania, or an agitated depression, which is why the description “increased motor activity associated with anxiety, mania, or depression” fits best. It’s the opposite of psychomotor retardation, where movements, speech, and thought are slowed. It’s not cessation of movement or random, involuntary movements that point to other issues like chorea or dyskinesia.

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