What is a common symptom associated with excess secretion of ADH?

Excess secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, leads to a condition called Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH). In this condition, the body retains water due to the actions of ADH, which results in decreased urine output. As the kidneys conserve water, the retained fluid can lead to dilutional hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), causing weight gain due to fluid retention.

Weight gain is particularly relevant in the context of ADH excess because it reflects an increase in body fluid volume. This is distinct from conditions associated with inadequate ADH secretion, where individuals experience frequent urination and dehydration due to the kidneys excreting more water.

The other options—frequent urination, dehydration, and weight loss—are typically associated with insufficient ADH secretion, where the body does not retain adequate water, leading to increased urine output and subsequent complications such as dehydration.