Fatal compulsive water drinking

JAMA. 1978 Dec 1;240(23):2557-9.

Abstract

In two cases of psychogenic polydipsia, water intoxication developed and contributed to the patient's death. The treatment of the patient with psychogenic polydipsia has been based on the presumed reversibility of the condition. Treatment of such patients must be reconsidered in light of these deaths.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Edema / mortality
  • Compulsive Behavior*
  • Drinking*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders*
  • Pulmonary Edema / mortality
  • Sex
  • Water Intoxication / etiology
  • Water Intoxication / mortality*
  • Water Intoxication / psychology