Psychomotor symptoms in depression: a diagnostic, pathophysiological and therapeutic tool

Psychomotor disturbances have been described repeatedly over many centuries. More recently, Sobin and Sackeim [Sobin, C., Sackeim, H.A., 1997. Psychomotor symptoms of depression. Am. J. Psychiatry. 154, 4-17.] discussed the relevance of psychomotor symptoms in depression in an extensive review. Since their report, new pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic findings have been published. In the current review of the recent literature, we aim to argue the importance of psychomotor symptoms in depression and propose directions for future research.

A review of all the relevant reports on this topic, published between 1996 and 2006, was conducted.

Several assessment methods demonstrate the diagnostic and pathophysiological significance of psychomotor symptoms. Antidepressants show differential effects on psychomotor performance and findings concerning the symptoms' predictive capacity for clinical response are contradictory. Numerous imaging studies as well as studies on the neurotransmitter systems and the HPA-axis contribute to the elucidation of the neurobiological processes underlying impaired psychomotor functioning in depression.

Psychomotor disturbances are of great diagnostic significance for the depressive subtype of melancholia. To enhance the conceptualisation of the construct 'psychomotor' a standardised battery for their assessment is recommended. As to the symptoms' predictive therapeutic power, to date research into functional outcome and studies applying objective experimental assessment methods are lacking. Moreover, the reported pathophysiological importance of dopamine for 'retarded depression' still warrants translation to the daily practice.