Faces of HPPD: Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder Patient Survey Results and a Descriptive Analysis of Patient Demographics, Medical Background, Drug Use History, Symptoms, and Treatments
Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment June 10, 2019 Doreen M. Lewis 2 citations
An internet survey of 26 individuals diagnosed with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), predominantly young white males from North America, found that all reported a history of preexisting mood disorders. Common prior hallucinogens included LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. Ongoing symptoms such as visual snow, floaters, trailing afterimages, and anxiety were reported by over 96% of participants, depersonalization by 92.3%, and suicidal ideation by over 69%. Current benzodiazepine use was 34.6%, with 78% of those users reporting dependency; 19% used marijuana, all claiming dependency. Treatments included benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics, and counseling. The authors conclude that HPPD is understudied, with complex overlapping symptoms and high risks of suicide and drug dependency.