Role of Psychomotor Activity in Bipolar Disorder

Role of Psychomotor Activity in Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Print Psychomotor Activity in Bipolar Disorder How Moods Can Impact Motor Activity By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 13, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Adam Kuylenstierna / EyeEm / Getty Images Psychomotor refers to how the brains mental processes affect physical movement. Psychomotor activity can be increased (psychomotor agitation) or decreased (psychomotor retardation). Psychomotor agitation or retardation can be a feature of several types of mental illness but is commonly used to diagnose bipolar disorder. Psychomotor changes can be indicative of a manic or depressive episode. These movements, or lack thereof, are directly related to whats going on in your brain. For example, if you are  depressed, you will generally have less psychomotor activity as your emotions leave you feeling sluggish and weak. By contrast, you may exhibit accelerated psychomotor activity, such as fidgeting or making repetitive movements, during a  manic episode  when your energy level is high. Understanding Psychomotor Agitation Psychomotor agitation is a type of purposeless, agitated movement. At times, it may be unintentional. It occurs in bipolar disorder, as well as in other mood disorders such as depression or  schizophrenia.   Examples of Psychomotor Agitation pacingfidgetingfoot or finger tappingtalking faster than normalswitching television channels repeatedly Psychomotor agitation can occur during a  manic or hypomanic  episode. Other symptoms of a manic or hypomanic episode include  expansive mood, a condition characterized by excessive, impulsive, and grandiose behavior, such as: irritability and sudden bursts of angerexcessive spending or lavishing gifts on othersincreased risk-taking or difficulty distinguishing between safe and unsafe gamblessocially inappropriate behavior (such as being overly friendly in a way that makes others feel awkward)an escalation in goal-oriented activities (either big or incidental tasks that need to be completed immediately) Understanding Psychomotor Retardation Psychomotor retardation in bipolar disorder is defined by slow or impaired movement. Its more likely to occur during depressive episodes and is primarily associated with  bipolar I disorder. Examples of Psychomotor Retardation talking more slowlydifficulty writing or typinghaving trouble getting out of bedtaking a long time in between bites of foodmoving slowly (often hunched over with head lowered) Psychomotor retardation can occur with the classic symptoms of depressions, including: Frequent cryingFeeling sad or emptyDifficulty making decisionsSleeping too much or too littleEating less or more than normalTrouble focusing or remembering thingsSelf-harming behaviors and having suicidal thoughts Can Depression Turn Into Bipolar Disorder? Treatment Evaluating psychomotor activity not only helps doctors diagnose bipolar disorder, but it also allows them to assess the severity of a manic or depressive episode. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but  treatments  such as medications and psychotherapy can help people manage the condition. Medications used to treat bipolar depression include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Psychotherapy may consist of  cognitive-behavioral therapy  (CBT),  dialectical behavior therapy  (DBT), family counseling, and/or group therapy. Finding the right combination of treatments can take time, but you dont have to go through it alone. If youve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, its important that you build a support network of family, friends, as well as a doctor and mental health professional you trust.