The authors report on 21 cases of self-induced water intoxication and
cite 25 others in the literature. Three of their patients demonstrated at
least temporary inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, 3 were
receiving a diuretic, and the other 15 appeared to have "pure" water
intoxication. Fifteen patients were receiving a psychotropic medication.
Self-induced water intoxication appears to be more common in schizophrenic
patients than is generally realized and should be suspected in any
schizophrenic patient who develops convulsions or coma. Hyperdopaminergic
CNS activity may be involved, and the authors suggest a possible mechanism
similar to that for tardive dyskinesia.
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