Psychomotor agitation in depression is characterized by:

Psychomotor agitation in depression is characterized by increased energy and restlessness. This manifestation reflects an individual's inability to sit still or remain calm, often resulting in fidgety movements or pacing. Patients may experience a heightened sense of inner tension, showcasing behaviors like tapping their feet, wringing their hands, or showing other signs of anxious restlessness, which contrasts with the more common presentation of psychomotor retardation seen in some depressive states where fatigue and slowness predominate.

Increased energy during psychomotor agitation does not imply a positive spike in mood; rather, it represents an uncomfortable and often distressing state of heightened activity. The experience can be counterproductive, leading individuals feeling more overwhelmed rather than energized in a constructive sense.

Other choices reflect different symptoms associated with various depressive presentations. For instance, feelings of extreme fatigue and slow speech are typical of psychomotor retardation, while frequent crying and somnolence can be linked to other emotional responses in depression. The last option, increased appetite with sociability, does not align with the general characteristics of psychomotor agitation, as increased appetite may suggest atypical depression, which is distinguishable from agitation-related symptoms.