Cognitive and motor retardation in depression

The study analysed the profile of psychomotor retardation in depression by clinically and psychometrically assessing its motor, speech and cognitive components. Psychomotor performance level of a group of 100 moderately depressed patients was significantly lower than that of controls on most psychometric tests. The interrelations among the variables evaluating various aspects of the depressive psychomotor retardation were examined and factor analyses were performed. Clinical ratings of motor, speech and mental retardation were strongly intercorrelated and a general factor emerged. When psychometric evaluations of depressive psychomotor retardation were factor analysed only separate factors characterizing cognitive and motor slowing were identified. Few and weak correlations were recorded between clinical and psychometric evaluations of depressive psychomotor retardation. Factors responsible for psychomotor slowing in depression were discussed.