ABSTRACT
This cross-sectional survey attempts to establish the prevalence of polydipsia and water intoxication at a state hospital (N = 360) using staff diagnosis, specific gravity of the urine (SPGU), weight changes, and chart review. There were 150 [42%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 37-47%] patients diagnosed as polydipsic by the staff or by SPGU. At least 93 (26%, CI 21-30%) had primary polydipsia not explained by other causes. Chart review identified 17 (5%, CI 3-7%) patients with a history of water intoxication. Using a case-control study design, schizophrenia, extended duration of hospitalization, and heavy smoking were associated with primary polydipsia in a logistic regression analysis (respective odds ratios were 1.6, 1.8, and 3.6). All patients with a history of water intoxication were Caucasian (versus 83% in those without a history) and had significantly more extended hospitalizations (94 vs. 49%). Future case-control studies should combine longitudinal identification of true cases and controls and exhaustive collections of clinical information in a standardized way.
Subject(s)
Drinking , Hyponatremia/epidemiology , Schizophrenia/epidemiology , Water Intoxication/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Hospitals, Psychiatric/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, State/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Hyponatremia/diagnosis , Incidence , Long-Term Care/statistics & numerical data , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Pennsylvania/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Schizophrenia/diagnosis , Schizophrenia/rehabilitation , Water Intoxication/diagnosisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to determine whether smoking is related to schizophrenia or neuroleptic treatment. METHOD: Cigarette smoking was measured in all patients hospitalized at a state hospital (N = 360) and compared in relation to gender and diagnosis (schizophrenic versus nonschizophrenic). RESULTS: The overall frequency of smoking was 79% (N = 284). Male schizophrenic patients had the highest frequency of smoking, followed by male nonschizophrenic patients, female schizophrenic patients, and female nonschizophrenic patients, respectively. Schizophrenia and polydipsia were associated with both smoking and heavy smoking. CONCLUSIONS: After correction for other variables, schizophrenia appears to increase the risk of being both a smoker and a heavy smoker. There was a possible association between high doses of neuroleptics and smoking but only for nonschizophrenic patients.
