Viji Devanand, Sathishkumar S, Shanthini R, Anto Nazarene F
Department of Physiology, Stanley Medical College, The Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University, Chennai, TamilNadu, India

Abstract

• Psychogenic polydipsia (PPD) is characterised by excessive fluid intake in the absence of physiological stimuli to drink. We report a case of a 28 year old male who was admitted with complaints of palpitations and increased urine output for the past 10 months. Earlier investigations at other centres reported a water intake of 13L/day which was not associated with thirst. No significant family and personal history was associated. Although the clinical picture and laboratory tests produce some diagnostic certainty, water deprivation test was done to confirm primary polydipsia. He was diagnosed as having psychogenic polydipsia by exclusion of the other causes and he was managed with fluid restriction, behavioural and pharmacological therapy to prevent the development of hyponatremia. We report this rare case in view of its potential interest and we also review the literature regarding psychogenic polydipsia.
• Keywords: hyponatremia, polydipsia, water deprivation test