Which assessment finding might indicate psychomotor retardation in a client?

Psychomotor retardation refers to a noticeable slowing down of physical and emotional responses, which can be seen in various psychiatric conditions, particularly depression. An assessment finding of slow movements is a classic indicator of this phenomenon. It may manifest as reduced spontaneous activity, delayed response times, or a general sense of lethargy in the individual's physical movements.

In contrast, rapid movements would suggest the opposite, indicating heightened energy or agitation rather than any form of retardation. A flat affect typically refers to emotional expression rather than the speed of movement, focusing on the absence of emotional response rather than the individual's physical activity levels. Conversational eagerness suggests an active engagement and readiness to communicate, which is inconsistent with the characteristics of psychomotor retardation, where one would expect diminished engagement and interaction. Therefore, the presence of slow movements effectively encapsulates the essence of psychomotor retardation, highlighting the significant reduction in both physical and emotional activity typical in this condition.