Apophenia, absorption and anxiety: Evidence for individual differences in positive and negative experiences of Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder

People with Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder (HPPD) differ in personality and visual processing style depending on whether they experience the symptoms as distressing (HPPD II) or neutral/positive (HPPD I). In an online survey of 117 participants from HPPD and psychedelic user groups, those with HPPD I showed higher absorption and visual apophenia scores, and their group membership was predicted by higher drug use. Those with HPPD II had significantly higher trait anxiety, and their categorization was predicted by more negative precipitating experiences, lack of prior knowledge, and pre-existing anxiety diagnoses. Anxiety and negative experiences are linked to distressing persistent visual symptoms after hallucinogen use, while higher absorption and apophenia are linked to neutral or positive experiences.

Study at a glance

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.