What is the term for respiratory slowing accompanied by decreased depth of breathing?

The term that describes respiratory slowing accompanied by decreased depth of breathing is respiratory depression. This condition can be recognized by a reduction in both the rate and volume of breaths taken, which can lead to insufficient ventilation and impaired gas exchange. Respiratory depression can occur due to various factors, including drug overdose, neurological disorders, or pathological conditions affecting the respiratory centers in the brain.

While hypoventilation is related and can sometimes be used interchangeably in clinical settings, it specifically refers to ventilation that is inadequate for the metabolic needs of the body, which may not always imply both slow rate and shallow breaths. Obstructive breathing typically describes a pattern where airflow is impeded due to obstruction, and apnea indicates a complete cessation of breathing. Thus, respiratory depression encompasses the broader condition of slowed and less deep respiration.