Multidisciplinary approach to psychosis, intermittent hyponatremia, and polydipsia

The syndrome of psychosis, intermittent hyponatremia, and polydipsia (PIP syndrome), seen in the seriously mentally ill, can result in severe biopsychosocial impairment, including an excessive death rate if not identified early. Because of its impact on the health, functioning, and quality of life of the seriously mentally ill patient, all mental health care providers must be aware of the signs and symptoms of PIP syndrome. Physiological, psychological, behavioral, self-care, and social factors all play a role in the manifestation of the syndrome; it follows that a multidisciplinary approach is crucial to ensure early detection, monitoring, and treatment of this problem both in the hospital and in the community. This article explains how we have incorporated the strengths of various disciplinary strategies into a unified treatment model for managing PIP syndrome and its sequelae.