Observer-rated retardation but not agitation corresponds to objective motor measures in depression

OBJECTIVE To explore the correlations between observer ratings and instrumental parameters across domainsof psychomotor functioningin depression. METHOD In total, 73 patients with major depressive disorderunderwent extensive psychomotor and clinical testing. Psychomotor functioning was assessed with (i) an observer-rated scale (the CORE measure) and also objectively with (ii) 24-h actigraphy, and (iii) a fine motor drawing task. RESULTS Observer ratings of retardation correlated with instrumental assessments of fine and gross motor functioning. In contrast, observer ratings of agitationdid not correlate with observer ratings of retardation or with the instrumental measures. These associations were partly influenced by age and, to a lesser extent, by depression severity. CONCLUSION Psychomotor disturbance is a complex concept with different manifestations in depressed patients. Although observer ratings of retardation correspond well with instrumental measures of the motor domains, objective measurement of agitationand other aspects of psychomotor disturbance require further research.