Which statement describes the relative risk of antidiuretic hormone dysfunction compared with SGAs?

• A. Higher risk than SGAs
• B. Lower risk than SGAs
• C. No risk
• D. Only occurs with SGAs

Answer: (B)

Antidiuretic hormone dysfunction refers to problems like hyponatremia or SIADH, which can occur with antipsychotic therapy because these drugs can influence the hypothalamic–pituitary axis and ADH release. Second-generation antipsychotics have been associated with hyponatremia more often than some older agents due to their broader receptor effects, which can disrupt ADH regulation. When comparing this risk across drugs, saying that the risk is lower than SGAs means the medication in question is less likely to trigger ADH dysfunction than the second-generation agents. In practice, this matters because if a patient develops symptoms such as confusion, weakness, seizures, or nausea, clinicians should check serum sodium and assess for SIADH. This relative safety point helps guide monitoring and choice of antipsychotic, balancing therapeutic benefits with the potential for electrolyte disturbances.