Tag: Psychogenic polydipsia

According to research, electrolyte abnormalities are common and serious medical complications of eating disorders, with low serum sodium (hyponatremia) being a frequent finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa. This life-threatening imbalance can result from a combination of inadequate nutrition, compulsive water intake, and purging behaviors, seriously impacting vital bodily functions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amount of water needed varies by individual, so if you find yourself constantly asking, "why do I chug so much water?", it might be more than just simple thirst. Excessive or compulsive water intake, medically known as polydipsia, can stem from various physiological, psychological, or behavioral factors that warrant a closer look.

While drinking enough water is crucial for health, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. The medical term for excessive thirst or compulsive water drinking is polydipsia, which is a symptom rather than a disease in itself. A person who drinks too much water may be called polydipsic, and in some cases, may be dealing with a psychological condition known as psychogenic polydipsia.

While typically rare in healthy individuals, water intoxication disproportionately affects certain populations. This dangerous condition, also known as dilutional hyponatremia, occurs when a person consumes more water than their kidneys can excrete, causing blood sodium levels to plummet and cells to swell.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the sensation of thirst is controlled by the hypothalamus, which signals your body to increase fluid intake when it detects low water levels. However, if you find yourself asking, "Why do I feel like I need to keep drinking water?" even after hydrating, it could indicate more than simple dehydration.