What endocrine disorder can result from a deficiency of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)?

A deficiency of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, directly leads to diabetes insipidus. This condition is characterized by an inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine, resulting in excessive urination and thirst due to the body's inability to retain water. In diabetes insipidus, the lack of ADH means that the kidneys do not respond effectively to the hormone, leading to impaired water reabsorption from the renal tubules. The result is a significant loss of fluid through urination, which can lead to dehydration if not managed properly.

Understanding the connection between ADH and diabetes insipidus is crucial for recognizing how hormonal imbalances can impact renal function and overall fluid balance in the body. The other conditions listed—diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, and hypopituitarism—do not primarily arise from a deficiency of ADH, which helps clarify the specific nature of diabetes insipidus as it relates to the hormone in question.