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

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.