What is bradypsychia?
Bradypsychia (from the Greek bradys: “slow” and psyche: “mind” or “soul”) is a symptom that manifests itself in the slowness with which the brain processes ideas and thought. (1)
According to the above, bradypsychia is not considered a pathology, but rather a sign that the patient underlies a disease that has not yet been diagnosed.
On the other hand, patients facing this condition manifest or are observed an abnormal slowness in reactions to stimuli, show a significant slowing of mental processes and in many cases may indicate a deterioration of mental health.
Note: Bradypsychia andtachypsychia are opposite terms, since the second refers to an exaggeratedly accelerated mode of thought.
What causes bradypsychia?
The etiology of bradypsychia, originates in the damage or deterioration of some functions of the Central Nervous System (CNS), which we mention below:
1. Neurological damage
These conditions impair communications between neurons . On the other hand, bradypsychia and hypothyroidism have also been associated. (3)
To highlight: Bradypsychia Can affect language , originating through a disorder called dysarthria .
2. Aging
Free radicals attack healthy cells in the body, including those that make up the neuronal network of the brain and in some cases cause premature cell aging, so these cells are limited in their functioning.
You should know: Alzheimer’s (4) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases where bradypsychia usually appears.
3. Dementia and schizophrenia
Dementia is characterized by the loss or weakening of mental faculties, generally severe and progressive due to age or disease, which is characterized by alterations in memory and reason, mainly and consequently language. (5)
4. Major depressive disorder
Note: Scientific publications describe bradypsychia as a symptom of major depression . (7)
5. Psycholeptic substances
Another cause that can cause bradypsychia are drugs such as alcohol, morphine, codeine or heroin, among others, as well as hypnotics and sedatives. These drugs produce sedation and relaxation at the CNS level,affecting cognitive functions.
What is the treatment for bradypsychia?
In cases of psychological disorders, the use of cognitive behavioral therapies guided by a professional psychologist or psychological therapist is appropriate.
In more complicated cases, which generate neurological damage due to degenerative causes or significant trauma, evaluation by a specialist in neurosurgery or a related specialty is vital in order to carry out a medical assessment and guide the strategy to be followed with the patient.
This intervention is aimed at correcting the present neurological damage and then other strategies can be incorporated to recover the normality of cognitive functions, including thinking.
Important: Family support is of special importance in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients suffering from bradypsychia, due to their cognitive conditions.
Key Conclusions
- Bradypsychia is a symptom that manifests itself in the slow way in which the brain processes ideas and thought.
- Bradypsychia has its origin in a mental or neurological pathology that affects the cognitive functions of the patient.
- Bradypsychia is not considered a pathology , but rather a sign that there is an underlying disease in the patient.
- In patients facing this condition, an abnormal slowness in reactions to external stimuli is observed.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.