Original article

Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2009;12(2):63-68.

만성 정신분열병 환자에서의 다음증 빈도 및 관련 요인

Minji Kwon, MD, Minyoung Sim, MD, PhD, Seon Jin Yim, MD, Hwang-Bin Lee, MD and Jong Il Lee, MD

Abstract

Objectives:Polydipsia is a condition of consuming excessive amount of liquid (more than 3 l/day). This study is aimed to evaluate the prevalence of polydipsia in chronic schizophrenia patients and the clinical characteristics of patients with polydipsia.
Methods:Eighty-three patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were included. Body weight was checked twice a day and normalized diurnal weight gain (NDWG) was calculated. Polydipsia was defined as above 2.5% of NDWG. We checked out prolactin level. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics between polydipsia and non-polydipsia groups. Relationships between NDWG and clinical characteristics were also measured.
Results:Among 83 patients, 11 (13.3%) met the polydipsia criteria. There were no significant differences in age, sex, duration of illness, dose and generation of antipsychotics, severity of illness, side effects, and severity of nicotine dependence. After controlling for age and sex, prolactin levels were positively correlated with NDWG. In the regression analysis, prolactin levels were also implicated in NDWG, but not other variables.
Conclusion:Considering the relationship between prolactin level and NDWG, hypothalamic or hippocampus contribution should be considered in pathophysiology of polydipsia. (Korean J Schizophr Res 2009;12:63-68)

Key Words: Polydipsia,Schizophrenia,Prolactin.