Altered state of consciousness in a compulsive water drinker
British Journal of Psychiatry January 1, 1989 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.154.4.556 via Elsevier
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 16-year-old Chinese woman who compulsively drank about 20 liters of water daily for six months became comatose. The behavior was driven by an enjoyable altered state of consciousness she experienced after drinking. Treatment with fluid restriction and education resolved the condition. The case suggests that the subjective experience of an altered state may explain why some people develop this obscure disorder.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 16-year-old Chinese woman with compulsive water drinking |
| Interventions | Fluid restriction education |
| Key finding | Compulsive water drinking was maintained by an enjoyable altered state of consciousness, and treatment with fluid restriction and education was successful. |
Abstract
A relatively normal 16-year-old Chinese woman with a six-month history of compulsive water drinking resulting in a comatose state is reported. The drinking was perpetuated by an enjoyable altered state of consciousness after ingestion of an average of 20 litres of water per day. Treatment by fluid restriction and, later, simple education was successful. The subjective dimension of an altered state of consciousness may provide an important explanation for the obscure aetiology.