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Acute psychological stress-induced water intoxication
Sagarika Mukherjee1, Emmanuel S Antonarakis, S Asaduzzaman
1Department of General Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
|June 17, 2014
Summary
Acute psychological stress can trigger excessive water drinking, leading to water intoxication and brain damage, even in individuals without prior mental health issues. This case highlights the severe consequences of compulsive water consumption.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Excessive water drinking, or psychogenic polydipsia, is a known symptom in schizophrenia.
- Acute psychological stress can precipitate extreme behaviors, including excessive water intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of excessive water drinking triggered by acute psychological stress.
- To describe the pathophysiology and consequences of water intoxication.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 52-year-old woman with altered consciousness and hyponatremia.
- Treatment involved hypertonic saline and fluid restriction.
- Description of the pathophysiology of water intoxication.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with profound hyponatremia due to excessive water consumption during severe mental stress.
- Water intoxication resulted in brain damage, leading to behavioral changes and cognitive impairment.
- Treatment successfully corrected the hyponatremia and managed the condition.
Conclusions:
- Acute psychological stress can induce dangerous levels of water intoxication.
- Water intoxication can cause significant neurological damage and cognitive deficits.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing psychogenic polydipsia, especially under stress.
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