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Self-induced water intoxication in schizophrenic patients
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Self-induced water intoxication is more common in schizophrenic patients than previously thought. This condition, potentially linked to hyperdopaminergic activity, can cause seizures and coma.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Water intoxication, or hyponatremia, can occur from excessive water intake.
- It is often associated with psychiatric conditions, particularly schizophrenia.
Observation:
- The study reviewed 21 cases of self-induced water intoxication and 25 from existing literature.
- Patients presented with varying degrees of water intoxication, including "pure" forms and those with diuretic use or inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Findings:
- Fifteen patients were on psychotropic medications.
- Self-induced water intoxication is significantly underrecognized in schizophrenic patients.
- Convulsions and coma in schizophrenic patients warrant suspicion for water intoxication.
Implications:
- Hyperdopaminergic central nervous system (CNS) activity may play a role in the pathogenesis.
- The mechanism may be similar to that observed in tardive dyskinesia.
- Clinicians should consider water intoxication in the differential diagnosis for schizophrenic patients presenting with neurological symptoms.