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 DOI: 10.1097/adt.0000000000000178 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Internet survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 26 |
| Population | Individuals diagnosed with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) from North America, Europe, and South America |
| Topics | Anxiety LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Psychiatric history Suicidal ideation Depersonalization Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | All HPPD patients reported a history of preexisting mood disorders, and over 69% reported suicidal ideation, with high rates of ongoing perceptual disturbances and drug dependency. |
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to obtain patient information across a wide geography about medical history, drug use, symptoms, and treatments of individuals diagnosed with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Methods: The study was an internet survey that yielded 26 HPPD patients from North America (81%), Europe (12%), and South America (almost 8%), predominantly male (73%), white (92%), with a median age of 24.5 (range, 18 to 63) years, who have been living with HPPD from a period of <1 year to well over 10 years.
Results: History of preexisting mood disorders was reported (100%). Previous hallucinogen drugs used include lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and mescaline in highest frequencies. There is a high percentage of current use of benzodiazepines (34.6%) and dependency (78% of those using). Current marijuana use is present for 19%, of which all claim dependency. All patients reported experiencing long-term and ongoing symptoms such as depersonalization (92.3%), visual snow, floaters, trailing afterimages and anxiety (96.2% for each factor). Suicide ideation was pronounced (over 69%). HPPD treatments included benzodiazepines (50%), neuroleptics (23%), anticonvulsants (35%), and receiving counseling (62%).
Conclusions: HPPD is an understudied mental disorder that has a complex and unpredictable nature with overlapping psychiatric, psychological, and neurological symptoms. Controlled, evidence-based clinical studies are needed for improvements in diagnosing and treating HPPD. There is concern for patients' well-being, particularly concerning high reported suicide ideation and dependency on drugs currently used (even if they are prescribed). Improved education for health care professionals and patients is also needed.