[Motor signs of depression]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Movement Science

Background:

• Motor phenomena are observable clinical signs in patients with depression.
• Motor dysfunctions are frequent psychopathological features linked to neurobiological mechanisms of depression.
• Understanding motor alterations is crucial for diagnosing and prognosing depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the functions of motor domains in depression.
• To review pathophysiological concepts related to motor symptoms.
• To highlight the relevance of motor functions for depression diagnosis and prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary literature on depression's motor signs.
• Examination of clinical and research aspects, including diagnosis, treatment, and pathophysiology.
• Assessment of objective measures and quantitative analysis of motor phenomena.

Main Results:

• Motor alterations (motility, locomotion, gestures, speech, tremor) are relevant for depression diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis.
• Existing literature is rich in qualitative measures but limited in quantitative kinematic studies.
• Low correlation between physiological and clinical features may stem from methodological issues.

Conclusions:

• The relationship between psychological and somatic components of motor signs requires clarification.
• Agitation and retardation should be treated as multidimensional, independent variables.
• Quantitative movement analysis and new technologies can advance neurobiological research in depression.