A Demographic Study of Polydipsia in an Institution for the Intellectually Disabled

Abstract

Objective: To measure the prevalence of primary polydipsia in an Ontario institution for residents with developmental disabilities and to explore the associations of polydipsia with age, sex, and level of mental retardation. Method: All 798 residents were screened for polydipsia using a behavioural questionnaire completed by caregivers. Results: Thirty-three cases were detected: the prevalence among the mobile resident population (n = 660) was 5%. We found no association of polydipsia with age, sex, or level of mental retardation. Conclusions: Physicians should be aware of polydipsia because it is common among residents with moderate, severe, and profound mental disability. Unless screened for specifically, polydipsia may go unrecognized and may place the residents with mental handicap at risk for serious acute and chronic complications.