Which of the following is a somatic sign of depression?

Study for ELNEC 4: Symptom Management in Palliative Care Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Hints and explanations included! Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a somatic sign of depression?

Depression can show physical, or somatic, signs through how a person moves and acts. Psychomotor changes refer to alterations in motor behavior—either slowing down or becoming unusually restless. Psychomotor agitation means the person is restless, fidgety, and unable to sit still, which is a classic somatic sign of depression. The other options describe states more typical of mania or mood elevation (increased energy, euphoria) or appetite changes that aren’t the defining somatic feature of a depressive state. So, psychomotor agitation best reflects a somatic manifestation of depression.

Depression can show physical, or somatic, signs through how a person moves and acts. Psychomotor changes refer to alterations in motor behavior—either slowing down or becoming unusually restless. Psychomotor agitation means the person is restless, fidgety, and unable to sit still, which is a classic somatic sign of depression. The other options describe states more typical of mania or mood elevation (increased energy, euphoria) or appetite changes that aren’t the defining somatic feature of a depressive state. So, psychomotor agitation best reflects a somatic manifestation of depression.

More practice questions