10 years of hyponatremia: Focus on medical communication in liaison psychiatry. A case report

Background

Effective communication is one of the pillars of the doctor–patient relationship. Hyponatremia is defined as a decrease in serum sodium levels below 135 mEq/L.

Objective

To draw attention to the possible results of ineffective medical communication and the importance of active listening to the patient.

Material and methods

Descriptive study of the Case Report type, based on the Case REport guidelines.

Case description

An 85-year-old female, hospitalized from October to December 2021 in acute psychiatry for self-injurious behavior following an experiential crisis. In this episode, hyponatremia with 10 years of evolution was detected. She was evaluated by multiple medical specialties and in the last 10 years suffered from anorexia, asthenia, insomnia, and dizziness, a condition attributed to psychoactive drug-related hyponatremia. After hospitalization in psychiatry, it was found that this condition started before the introduction of psychotropic drugs and that there could be a total restriction of salt in the diet, motivated by a bias in doctor–patient communication.

Conclusion

With a careful collection of the patient's history, it is possible to deconstruct and clarify concepts and beliefs that can negatively affect her health status.