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Polydipsia amongst adults with a learning disability in an institution
1Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, England.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Polydipsia, or excessive drinking, affects 6.2% of adults with learning disabilities. This study found it often presents as a behavioral issue rather than a sign of organic illness in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Polydipsia (excessive fluid intake) is a symptom that can indicate underlying health issues.
- Understanding the causes and characteristics of polydipsia in adults with learning disabilities is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of polydipsia in a hospital-based population of adults with learning disabilities.
- To compare biochemical and psychological measures between individuals with and without polydipsia.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based sample of 371 adults with learning disabilities was screened for polydipsia using a questionnaire.
- Polydipsia was defined as consuming over 3 liters of non-alcoholic fluid daily.
- A matched control group was selected for comparison using biochemical and psychological assessments.
Main Results:
- 6.2% of the study population (23 individuals) exhibited polydipsia.
- No significant differences were found in psychiatric illness, behavioral problems, autism, or IQ between polydipsic and matched groups.
- Compensated hyponatremia was observed in 35% of polydipsic patients versus 13% in the control group, a non-significant difference.
- Klein-Levin syndrome and pica were noted in the polydipsic group but not the control group.
Conclusions:
- Polydipsia in adults with learning disabilities is frequently associated with abnormal behavior rather than identifiable organic causes.
- While not statistically significant, a trend towards compensated hyponatremia warrants further investigation.
- The presence of Klein-Levin syndrome and pica in the polydipsic group suggests potential links to specific neurological or behavioral conditions.
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