Have your movements and responses slowed down?

How does slowing show in everyday life?

Olesia and Luka reply more slowly, Liubomyr moves more slowly, and Anhelina learned about the change from colleagues. The section “When more than thinking slows down” explains what such slowing may be linked to.

If at least one of these stories resembles yours, notice what exactly has slowed down and who noticed it. If none of them fits, the questions in the section “What do you and those close to you notice?” can help you describe the change.

When more than thinking slows down

Marked slowing of movement and speech can accompany severe mood changes, medicine effects, neurological or other physical conditions. That is why it should not be put down to someone’s personality or laziness.

If low mood and loss of interest persist alongside the slowing, a doctor may also assess for depression. Slowing on its own does not mean that a person has this disorder.

If the slowing began after starting a new medicine or changing a dose, tell the doctor who prescribed it. Sudden onset is particularly important when judging urgency: the section “How urgent is it: a short guide” describes what to look out for.

How is psychomotor slowing different from similar states?

Slowing is easy to confuse with other complaints. Compare which of these is closer to your experience.

• Slowed thinking. Thinking is slower, while movements and speech have hardly changed. See the page on slowed thinking.
• Physical weakness. Movements take effort because the muscles feel weak, not because they are hard to start. See the page on physical weakness.
• Constant fatigue. Energy runs out quickly, but early in the day the pace may be normal. Compare with the description of constant fatigue.
• Apathy. There is no wish to act, but once the person takes on a task, they do it at their usual pace. See the page on apathy.

If the slowing is visible to others and affects both movement and speech, the description on this page is closer to your experience.

What do you and those close to you notice?

Psychomotor retardation is a noticeable slowing of movements, speech, thinking and reaction to what is happening. Think back to an ordinary recent day and answer a few questions:

• When did the slowing appear, and what did you use to do faster?
• Did it come on gradually or suddenly?
• Do other people notice the changes?
• Do you also have low mood, loss of enjoyment, apathy or marked tiredness?
• Has it become harder to concentrate, make decisions and put thoughts into words?
• Have your sleep, appetite or activity level changed?

If the slowing came on suddenly, go straight to the section “How urgent is it: a short guide”. If it built up gradually, write down your answers: they make it easier to start the conversation with a doctor.

Allowing time while seeking assessment

While you wait for a consultation, here is what can make the day easier:

• More time for familiar tasks. Start getting ready earlier so that you do not have to rush.
• A request to people close to you. Ask them not to finish your sentences and to give you time to answer – this would also help Olesia’s family in our example.
• One task with support. Choose one manageable task and ask someone close for specific help: for example, gathering documents for the appointment together.

These steps help you get through the day, but they do not replace a doctor’s assessment.

Where to start if people close to you notice the slowing?

If the slowing built up gradually and your mood, interest or sleep changed along with it, you can start with a psychiatrist. They will ask when the changes began and what people close to you notice, and decide whether a neurologist should also be involved. For new or persistent physical symptoms, start with a family doctor. Further investigations depend on your symptoms and examination, not a standard checklist.

You can read about a first appointment with a psychiatrist on the initial psychiatric consultation page. The profiles in our doctors’ directory can help you choose a specialist.

How urgent is it: a short guide

1. If marked slowing appears suddenly or comes with speech problems, weakness or numbness in the limbs, confusion, loss of coordination or other acute neurological symptoms, urgent medical help is needed: call 103 or 112 in Ukraine.
2. If the slowing comes with severe low mood, refusal to eat and drink, a marked drop in activity, or the person practically stops getting up, talking and reacting to others, see a doctor without delay.
3. If the slowing persists, worsens or noticeably affects the ability to work, communicate or carry out daily activities, contact a doctor or mental health professional.
4. If the slowing began after starting a medicine or changing a dose, tell the doctor who prescribed it.
5. If your thinking has slowed more than your movements, compare your state with the descriptions in the section “How is psychomotor slowing different from similar states?”.