What endocrine disorder is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

Diabetes insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. This hormone is produced by the hypothalamus and is stored in the posterior pituitary gland. Its main function is to regulate the body's retention of water by increasing the permeability of the kidney tubules, which allows more water to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.

In diabetes insipidus, when there is a deficiency of ADH, the kidneys fail to properly concentrate urine, leading to an inability to retain water. As a result, individuals experience excessive urination (polyuria) and increased thirst (polydipsia), as the body attempts to compensate for fluid loss.

This disorder is distinct from diabetes mellitus, which is related to insulin deficiency and glucose metabolism. Hyperthyroidism involves an overproduction of thyroid hormones leading to metabolic changes, while Cushing's syndrome is associated with elevated cortisol levels from the adrenal glands. None of these conditions directly relate to ADH levels or the specific symptoms associated with diabetes insipidus.