PROLONGED FUNCTIONAL DEPRESSION OF ANTIDIURETIC MECHANISMS IN PSYCHOGENIC POLYDIPSIA SIMULATING PRIMARY DIABETES INSIPIDUS

Abstract

A case of psychogenic polydipsia with severe chronic overhydration is reported. Water deprivation and hypertonic saline infusion tests initially suggested primary diabetes insipidus. The integrity of the neurohypophyseal system was demonstrated by administration of a large dose of nicotine and by repetition of the water deprivation test after a period of normal hydra-tion.