Potomania (Psychogenic Polydipsia): What is it? Causes and Treatment

) is a psychic and behavioral pathology, characterized by the uncontrollable and compulsive need to drink more water than is necessary.

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This behavior results in polyuria and lower serum osmolarity values ​​than normal: the body is unable to expel all these liquids with urination and, consequently, water accumulates in the tissues causing a dilution of the blood (hemodilution) and electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. The most feared consequence of psychogenic polydipsia is hyponatremia (presence of low sodium levels in the blood) which can result in: dizziness, muscle weakness, convulsions, cerebral edema and coma. The treatment of potomania involves a psychotherapeutic approach and careful medical monitoring until the clinical picture is stabilized.

; with the more well-known bulimia and anorexia nervosa, it shares a series of obsessive rituals and non-rational control mechanisms, focused on the amount of water to be ingested to achieve a feeling of fulfillment. In fact, this compulsive behavior is indicative of anxieties and other psychological distress.

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Furthermore, potomania could manifest itself as a side effect of taking psychotropic drugs.

In any case, intense thirst is not related to organic causes, such as kidney dysfunction, diabetes insipidus or metabolic defects.