Persistent Palinopsia Following Ingestion of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
Archives of Ophthalmology – January 01, 1996
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Persistent palinopsia, a condition where afterimages linger longer than normal, was observed in three patients following ingestion of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Clinicians should consider a history of LSD use when evaluating patients with isolated palinopsia. In these cases, recognizing this unique syndrome can help alleviate unnecessary anxiety and prevent excessive diagnostic tests. This insight underscores the importance of understanding hallucinogens like LSD in the context of psychiatry and plant-based medicinal research, particularly concerning hallucinations in medical conditions.
Abstract
We have described three patients in whom persistent palinopsia developed following ingestion of LSD. Clinicians should inquire about past LSD use in all patients who initially have seemingly spontaneous, isolated palinopsia. Recognition of this distinctive clinical syndrome associated with LSD use might avoid unnecessary anxiety and excessive diagnostic tests for patients with this disorder.