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Psychomotor retardation in depression: biological underpinnings, measurement, and treatment.
- Source :
-
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry [Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry] 2011 Mar 30; Vol. 35 (2), pp. 395-409. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Oct 31. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Psychomotor retardation is a long established component of depression that can have significant clinical and therapeutic implications for treatment. Due to its negative impact on overall function in depressed patients, we review its biological correlates, optimal methods of measurement, and relevance in the context of therapeutic interventions. The aim of the paper is to provide a synthesis of the literature on psychomotor retardation in depression with the goal of enhanced awareness for clinicians and researchers. Increased knowledge and understanding of psychomotor retardation in major depressive disorder may lead to further research and better informed diagnosis in regards to psychomotor retardation. Manifestations of psychomotor retardation include slowed speech, decreased movement, and impaired cognitive function. It is common in patients with melancholic depression and those with psychotic features. Biological correlates may include abnormalities in the basal ganglia and dopaminergic pathways. Neurophysiologic tools such as neuroimaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation may play a role in the study of this symptom in the future. At present, there are three objective scales to evaluate psychomotor retardation severity. Studies examining the impact of psychomotor retardation on clinical outcome have found differential results. However, available evidence suggests that depressed patients with psychomotor retardation may respond well to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Current literature regarding antidepressants is inconclusive, though tricyclic antidepressants may be considered for treatment of patients with psychomotor retardation. Future work examining this objective aspect of major depressive disorder (MDD) is essential. This could further elucidate the biological underpinnings of depression and optimize its treatment.<br /> (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Depression physiopathology
Depression therapy
Depressive Disorder, Major physiopathology
Depressive Disorder, Major psychology
Depressive Disorder, Major therapy
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychomotor Disorders diagnosis
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic therapeutic use
Depression drug therapy
Depressive Disorder, Major drug therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Psychomotor Disorders drug therapy
Psychomotor Disorders physiopathology
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1878-4216
- Volume :
- 35
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 21044654
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.10.019