Do I Have Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder?

Following cessation of the use of a hallucinogen, do you re-experience one or more of the perceptual symptoms that were experienced while intoxicated with the hallucinogen (e.g., geometric hallucinations, false perceptions of movement in the peripheral visual fields, flashes of color, intensified colors, trails of images of moving objects, positive afterimages, halos around objects, macropsia and micropsia)?

Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

Can you confirm that the symptoms are not attributable to another medical condition (e.g., anatomical lesions and infections of the brain, visual epilepsies) and are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., delirium, major neurocognitive disorder, schizophrenia) or hypnopompic hallucinations (imagined sensations that seem real)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), you are displaying a symptom related to it. People who use hallucinogenic drugs sometimes re-experience the effects of the drugs after they used it (days or weeks after). It may be an enjoyable experience, but for some people it can be very disturbing. In such cases, people experience perplexing visual effects only. If this happens often, HPPD may be diagnosed. Talk with your doctor for advice.

While it is unlikely that you have hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), you are displaying some signs related to it. It may be wise to schedule an appointment with your doctor. HPPD is a rare condition and therefore research and knowledge are limited. Not everyone who uses hallucinogenic drugs will develop the disorder. There may be people who only experience symptoms once, others may experience symptoms more often but not find them disturbing. If your symptoms are bothering you, it may be important to seek medical support.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. In this case it is of high importance to see your doctor. Hallucinogenic episodes should be taken seriously, especially when you experience them frequently. You need to be honest with your doctor about the use of drugs. Your doctor may ask you questions about your health history and about the symptoms that you experience. If necessary, your doctor may want to conduct a blood test, to eliminate other possible causes for your symptoms. Treatment is not always necessary for people with HPPD. Sometimes, the symptoms may disappear on their own.