Danny Fernandez talks about his own experience with visual snow, discussing how he has found ways to deal with his changing vision and his hopes for the future.
Visual Snow Initative Founder Sierra Domb shares her story on how she first developed visual snow, what she has learned, and why she started her organization.
Matthew Renze discusses how hard it was to get a proper diagnosis and how he has learned to cope with the many symptoms
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is a rare condition in which people experience visual disturbances after using hallucinogenic drugs. These disturbances can include:
In some cases, HPPD can also cause other symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and depersonalization.
The exact cause of HPPD is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by changes in the brain’s visual processing pathways. HPPD is more likely to occur in people who have used high doses of hallucinogenic drugs, or who have used them frequently. It is also more common in people who have a history of mental health problems.
There is no cure for HPPD, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments may include:
HPPD is a chronic condition, but it is usually not dangerous. In most cases, the symptoms of HPPD will gradually improve over time. However, in some cases, the symptoms may persist for many years.
If you are experiencing symptoms of HPPD, it is important to see a doctor. They can help you to determine if you have HPPD and to discuss treatment options.
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder or HPPD is a mental disorder stemming from the use of psychedelics such as LSD or mushrooms (psilocybin). Those with HPPD experience persisting— as the name suggests— hallucinations or visual distortions that are reminiscent of previous “trips.” Other perceptual changes that continue long after the use of psychedelics are also associated with HPPD.
The use of psychedelics and subsequent development of HPPD is not well understood due to under-research. Still, commonalities emerge among those who identify as having the disorder, such as similar symptoms and drugs used before the onset of symptoms. Many symptoms of HPPD coincide with other more common mental illnesses such as anxiety, leading to occasional misdiagnosis. Clinicians sometimes misinterpret the visual illusions reported by patients, believing them to be symptoms of psychosis and provide treatment that can make the symptoms worse.
As the use of psychedelics grows increasingly popular, it’s important to understand risks such as the development of HPPD. Users who experience HPPD-related symptoms may also find an accurate diagnosis will give them some relief. Sam Woolfe provides an in-depth overview of the symptoms, causes and research behind HPPD on www.healingmaps.com. To learn more about HPPD, its symptoms and how to deal with them, read the full article.
When Dr. Henry Abraham began his psychiatric residency at the Mass Gen Hospital in 1971, he was met with a series of patients who claimed that their vision was being affected by LSD drugs they took long before the appointment. Abraham set about quantifying these symptoms, and his research has since led to the recognition of HPPD in psychiatry, pioneering the movement towards trying to find a cure. His paper “When the Trip Doesn’t End” talks extensively of his journey, research, and theories for effective treatments.
Read more hereThis study presents a case report of a 21 year old African American man who had an experience with drugs seventh months prior that not only landed him in probation, but also left him with symptoms of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder. The study outlines criteria for a diagnosis of HPPD, describes symptoms, and suggests possible treatments, all for the purpose of “highlighting the devastating effects this disorder had on this patient…Due to the very low prevalence of this disorder, we believe it is valuable to document this case in order to motivate research to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of this phenomenon.” By presenting a very real and very common case of HPPD, the article emphasizes that you are not alone.
Read more here
This article published by the Frontiers in Psychology delves more into the science behind HPPD for those who would like to know where their condition comes from. It gives the historical background, common symptoms, causes, and types, as well as detailing numerous controlled studies that have been conducted to try and find the best possible treatment for this little-known disorder.
Read more hereIn a 2020 study published by the American Academy of Neurology, a team of researchers set about validating the symptoms and case studies of 1100 patients with visual snow. They used a group of patients with self-assessed visual snow and a population of patients with possible HPPD who presented visual snow symptoms and gave them a survey to assess the common characteristics of visual snow patients. They found and recorded many similarities between both the patients and their symptoms, finding that migraines and tinnitus had a very high prevalence and was associated with a more severe form of the syndrome. This study was used to validate current criteria for a diagnosis of visual snow, presenting concrete examples and evidence.
Read more here
Because many people are unaware of the existence of HPPD, when they first hear about it, it seems like a story, told to ward people off using psychedelic drugs. But it’s very real, as many know, and this article gives a basic, easy-to-understand run-down of what it is, its scientific background, common misconceptions, recent research, and personal stories from people affected by this condition. However, the author makes it clear that though HPPD can be incredibly distressing and overwhelming to deal with, it’s certainly no life sentence, suggesting possible treatments and ways we can de-stigmatize the condition.
Read more hereThis Psychology Today article works to clear up many of the myths behind the poorly understood Visual Snow Syndrome. Following the onset of visual snow from the use of hallucinogenic psychedelic drugs, HPPD is commonly diagnosed. However, recent research from the American Academy of Neurology proved that visual snow affects a huge number of individuals without a history of illicit drug use. Visual snow is in itself a “disease entity, clinically distinct from migraine with aura.” Dr. Christoph Schankin at the University of California goes over his study, his trials and errors, and his surprising findings.
Read more here
Our partnership with the Visual Snow Initiative brings you a short introduction video on HPPD, visual snow, and how it can affect someone, helping you to understand the condition in a concise yet accurate way.
Latest Updates from the Visual Snow Initiative
Visual Snow Initiative founder Sierra Domb reviews progress in the understanding of Visual Snow, new studies as well as new additions to the Visual Snow Initiative website.
Tedx Talk: What is Visual Snow?
In this brief video, Visual Snow Initiative founder Sierra Domb breaks down what visual snow is.
A Neurology live article details the story of one individual who’s world was flipped upside down from HPPD after one experience with ecstasy. The article also introduces the work of Dr. Henry Abraham to try and improve his conditions. Dr. Abraham goes through some of the common symptoms and treatments he has seen, but notes that despite all the research he’s done, “there’s a tremendous lack of understanding of this condition and a tremendous lack of awareness.” They both hope that greater awareness of HPPD can lead to more effective treatment for this under-researched disorder
Read more here
Ophthalmologist Dr. Allen takes his viewers through an overview of one of the most understood visual conditions: visual snow. His Youtube guide talks through through the symptoms, diagnosis process, and potential treatments of this little-known disorder.
This scientific article provides the breakdown of a questionnaire used to analyze the symptoms and causes of HPPD. Under the support of the University of California IRB, the study walks through the statistics, including the relationship between visual experience and drug use and potential treatment effects. In conclusion, the data indicated that “seemingly unusual drug-free visual experiences reminiscent of acute drug effects are common in hallucinogen users….this suggests that HPPD may be an unusually severe form of a relatively common syndrome of post-hallucinogen visual changes.”
Read more here
Drugs and Me recently posted a blog post concerning experiences with HPPD, symptoms to look out for, what can cause it, and how one might be able to avoid developing the disorder.
Read more hereVisual Snow Initiative Group on Facebook
HPPD Support Community on Facebook
Visual Snow Research and News on Facebook
The Neurosensory Research Foundation and their Facebook page
This Support Forum provides an open space for patients to ask questions, share stories, and explore a supportive community environment while dealing with this little known and difficult disorder.
This WikiHow page is a simple “How to Deal with HPPD” advice page. It takes you through the steps of recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and tips to manage this sometimes overwhelming condition.
Dr. Locke also frequently posts articles on HPPD and Visual Snow on his blog. View his posts here:
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