A Pragmatic Classification of Motor Abnormalities Seen in Clinical Psychiatric Practice

This manuscript presents a pragmatic classification of motor abnormalities commonly observed in psychiatric practice. The classification is divided into quantitative and qualitative categories, with a focus on motor underactivity and overactivity. The quantitative category includes symptoms such as retardation, hyperactivity, obsessive slowness, and agitation. The qualitative category explores catatonic symptoms, including motoric immobility, extreme agitation, extreme negativism, posturing, and echo phenomenon. In addition, non-catatonic/neurological motor abnormalities are discussed, such as hypokinetic and hyperkinetic symptoms. The manuscript also highlights related concepts, including La-belle indifference. This classification provides a valuable framework for understanding and diagnosing motor abnormalities in psychiatric practice.