Self-induced water intoxication in a schizophrenic patient

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Water intoxication, or psychogenic polydipsia, is a rare but serious condition.
• It is characterized by compulsive excessive water intake.
• Patients with chronic mental health conditions are at higher risk.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old woman with chronic simple schizophrenia and poorly controlled diabetes presented with acute neurological symptoms.
• She had a long-standing history of compulsive excessive water consumption.
• Symptoms included coma, fever, and convulsions.

Findings:

• The patient exhibited severe hyponatremia, indicating dangerously low sodium levels in the blood.
• Her neurological signs and coma rapidly resolved following correction of the electrolyte imbalance.
• This highlights the direct link between hyponatremia and the observed clinical presentation.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance in patients with schizophrenia and diabetes.
• Early recognition and management of water intoxication are vital for preventing severe neurological complications.
• Psychiatric and endocrine management should be integrated to address compulsive water drinking behaviors.