Definition
Psychogenic polydipsia is a psychiatric condition characterized by the overwhelming need to drink, more than is necessary.
Also known as potomania (from the Latin potus = drink), psychogenic polydipsia falls into the category of eating disorders and is not linked to causes of an organic nature (kidney dysfunction or diabetes).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Hyponatremia
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Polyuria
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Intense thirst
- He retched
Further indications
Psychogenic polydipsia is manifested by intense thirst and uncontrollable and compulsive need to take liquids, in particular water, disproportionate to the actual needs of the body: those who suffer from it can drink up to 7 liters of water a day.
The consequence is that the organism fails to expel all these liquids with urination and water accumulates in the tissues causing dilution of the blood and minerals present in the body. Therefore, in the case of psychogenic polydipsia, secondary polyuria and serum osmolarity values may be lower than normal. Often, anxiety and depression are also associated.
The treatment of psychogenic polydipsia involves a psychotherapeutic approach and careful monitoring to control fluid intake.
