Hyponatremia effect in patients with alcohol dependence on their physical and mental health status

Hyponatremia, i.e. reduction of sodium level in the blood plasma below 135 mmol/L, is one of the most common electrolyte disorders occurring in people addicted to alcohol. Numerous psychopathological symptoms may be significantly associated with its occurrence. Since sodium is one of the main bioelements, which is responsible for proper neuromuscular excitability maintenance and contributes in nerve impulses conduction, sodium balance disorders may be related to a risk to basic life functions. The tested group included 100 alcohol dependent patients (M = 90, F = 10). Sodium was determined using biochemical Indiko Plus analyzer. Analysis of sodium concentration demonstrated that 64% of people with alcohol dependence had low (<135 mmol/L) plasma sodium level, of which: 7% had severe hyponatremia (<120 mmol/L), 13% had moderate hyponatremia (120-130 mmol/L) and 44% had mild hyponatremia (130-135 mmol/L). The analysis showed an occurrence of significant differences in terms of: impulsivity, quality of life, clinical symptoms occurrence, maximum amount of alcohol consumed and general health state. The lower concentration of sodium in blood plasma in alcohol dependent people, the worse psychical and psychological quality of their life.

Clinical implications of treating depressed older adults with SSRIs: possible risk of hyponatremia

Depression is a serious mental health problem in older adults. Some of the symptoms of depression include depressed mood, significant change in weight or appetite, changes in sleep patterns, a decrease in concentration and energy, and possible suicide. However, depression is a treatable illness, especially with the newer class of antidepressant agents, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). One side effect of SSRI use includes hyponatremia, which is becoming an increasingly serious complication that may have harmful clinical ramifications. Older adults are especially at risk for hyponatremia and could experience serious consequences if left untreated. The purpose of this article is to use an individual example to demonstrate the clinical importance of detecting hyponatremia in older adults receiving SSRI treatment.