Apophenia, absorption and anxiety: Evidence for individual differences in positive and negative experiences of Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – August 08, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling finding in Psychology reveals distinct personality profiles among individuals experiencing persistent visual symptoms after hallucinogen use. Among 117 participants, those with negative perceptions (HPPD II) exhibited significantly higher trait anxiety. Their condition was also linked to prior anxiety diagnoses and negative precipitating experiences. Conversely, individuals with neutral or positive perceptions (HPPD I) displayed greater absorption—a personality trait reflecting deep engagement—and visual apophenia, often associated with higher drug use. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how individual differences in personality and anxiety shape the perception of persistent visual changes.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Little is known about individual differences in Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder (HPPD). This study investigated visual processing style and personality across two HPPD types (HPPD I and HPPD II) and a Non-HPPD group. Methods An online survey was delivered to participants sourced from online HPPD and psychedelic user groups and forums ( N = 117). Using one-way ANOVA, respondents were compared across four measures of individual difference. Using logistic regression, a range of visual symptoms and experiences were investigated as potential predictors of group categorisation. Results The HPPD I group had higher absorption and visual apophenia scores than the other groups and was predicted by higher drug use. The HPPD II group showed significantly higher trait anxiety than both other groups. Across the HPPD groups, HPPD II categorisation was also predicted by increased negative precipitating experiences, lack of prior knowledge and pre-existing anxiety diagnoses. Conclusions Anxiety, negative precipitating experiences and lack of prior knowledge are associated with negative experiences of persistent visual symptoms following hallucinogen use, whilst higher absorption and visual apophenia are associated with positive or neutral experiences. Together these findings indicate that differences in personality may play a role in determining an individual's experience of HPPD, highlighting the role of individual difference research in expanding knowledge around HPPD.