PRIMARY POLYDIPSIA-COMPULSIVE WATER DRINKING -REPORT OF 2 CASES

Two children with primary polydipsia (compulsive water drinking) are reported. Each child had an organic central nervous system disease known to cause diabetes insipidus. However, each child concentrated urine normally and had a normal blood level of antidiuretic hormone. A background of common emotionality, similar to that observed in the compulsive eater, was noted clinically in both children and was substantiated by psychologic examination, thus suggesting the diagnosis of psychogenic polydipsia. However, as lesions of the central nervous system are known to effect the sensation of thirst, the primary polydipsia exhibited by both children could be attributed equally well to organic hypothalamic disease. The precise cause of the polydipsia exhibited by these children must, therefore, remain in doubt. © 1968 The C. V. Mosby Company.