HPPD Nonprofit The Perception Restoration Foundation

If these visual disturbances occur frequently, you may have a condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). HPPD is hppd symptoms most commonly seen after the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). HPPD however has also been reported after cannabis, 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/“ecstasy”), and other novel psychoactive substances (NPS)456789. It is also important to note that several drugs were tried and found to be ineffective in the treatment of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, including benzodiazepines. HPPD patients appear to be sensitive to first-generation antipsychotics at low doses, requiring monitoring of extrapyramidal side effects.

Types of HPPD

Research is limited regarding the best treatment but prescription medications and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing, and yoga, may reduce symptoms or shorten episodes. However, taking certain medications can worsen symptoms in some people. Maintaining close contact with a healthcare provider when determining an effective treatment plan is important. HPPD causes several symptoms, which can vary from person to person.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Perspectives

FHE Health offers inpatient and outpatient treatment options that can help you or your loved one learn to cope with HPPD disorder. Loved ones of individuals with HPPD are an important source of support. They may feel angry with the individual for using drugs and benefit from individual or family talk therapy with a mental health professional to work through their emotions. Here we present the case of a 33-year-old female former LSD user who displayed typical symptoms of HPPD over an extended period of time.

• HPPD however has also been reported after cannabis, 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/“ecstasy”), and other novel psychoactive substances (NPS)456789.
• Researchers are looking into whether brain stimulation may work as a way to relieve HPPD symptoms, but studies are still ongoing.
• In addition, visual problems can be caused by brain infections or lesions, epilepsy, and a number of mental disorders (e.g., anxiety, delirium, dementia, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease).

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder Types

• To have an effective doctor-patient relationship, it’s important that you can be honest with your doctor about all your behaviors, choices, and health history.
• However, the clinical relevance of the long-term psychological sequelae which include so-called flashbacks remains unclear Hermle et al. 1992; Hermle et al. 2008.

People living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience flashbacks of stressful, even painful situations. Researchers have recognized two forms of HPPD (type 1 and type 2). Type 1 HPPD is typically experienced as brief, random “flashbacks.” On the other hand, type 2 HPPD is generally long term, disturbing, and pervasive. Read on to learn more about this phenomenon, why it happens, and how a person might experience it.

What Are the Symptoms of HPPD?

Distinct substances, with completely different mechanisms of action, might lead or precipitate the genesis of HPPD, therefore suggesting a multifaceted etiology. Thus, it is accordingly conceivable that different medications could be useful and helpful in the treatment of different subtypes of HPPD. Tracers and trailing phenomena appear to be the most resistant symptoms.

Drugs that Cause HPPD

Some types of therapy used to treat those conditions may be helpful in managing HPPD symptoms as well. HPPD is divided into two types, according to the kinds of hallucinations the person experiences. In Type 2, the experience is more disturbing and persistent, and an individual may experience consistent changes in vision. If you’ve used hallucinogenic drugs, marijuana addiction you should let your doctor know. It’s important to understand that your doctor’s primary concern will be helping you address and treat your symptoms. Additional research suggests that people with previous traumatic experiences may be more affected by HPPD.