Epidemiology

PPD occurs in 6% to 20% of psychiatric patients, and is most commonly seen in people with schizophrenia.[4][5][6][7] It may also present in people with other psychiatric disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders.[1][2][3]

Overall, PPD is observed in 10% to 20% of patients with schizophrenia, but PPD with symptomatic hyponatraemia occurs in only 3% to 6% of these patients.[10][12] Affective disorders, anxiety disorder, anorexia nervosa, obsessive compulsive disorder, and personality disorders have all been associated with PPD. PPD seen in adolescents and young adults is often associated with anorexia nervosa, possibly as a coping strategy and/or to reduce hunger.[13][14] PPD has also been noted in people with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and Kleine-Levin syndrome. Prevalence was 3.5% in a survey of 877 inpatients with diagnoses including autism and personality/behaviour disorders.[15] Another study, in a hospital population of 371 patients with developmental disabilities, found a prevalence of 6.2%.[16]

Increasing popularity of lifestyle programmes that advocate water drinking to improve overall health have led to a rise in polydipsia among the general population.[10]

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