Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder

How is Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder diagnosed?

See how Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder

Diagnosing Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder (HPPD)

Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a condition characterized by the persistent presence of sensory disturbances, such as visual hallucinations, after the use of hallucinogenic substances. Diagnosing HPPD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, typically a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who specializes in substance-related disorders and mental health.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The diagnostic process for HPPD begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The healthcare professional will inquire about the individual's substance use history, including any past or recent use of hallucinogens. They will also assess the presence and duration of symptoms, as well as any associated distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Diagnostic Criteria

The healthcare professional will refer to the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. HPPD is classified as a "Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder" in the DSM-5.

The DSM-5 criteria for HPPD include:

Recurrent and persistent visual disturbances, such as geometric hallucinations, flashes of color, or intensified colors.

The visual disturbances are present for an extended period, typically longer than 3 months.

The visual disturbances cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The visual disturbances are not attributable to another medical condition or mental disorder.

The visual disturbances are not better explained by another hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.

If an individual meets these criteria, they may be diagnosed with HPPD.

Psychological Assessment

In addition to the diagnostic criteria, a psychological assessment may be conducted to evaluate the individual's overall mental health and to rule out other psychiatric disorders that may be contributing to the symptoms. This assessment may involve interviews, questionnaires, and psychological tests.

Collateral Information

Collateral information from family members, friends, or other individuals who have observed the individual's symptoms may also be considered. This information can provide additional insights into the presence and impact of the visual disturbances on the individual's life.

Differential Diagnosis

It is crucial to differentiate HPPD from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. The healthcare professional will consider other possible causes of visual disturbances, such as substance-induced psychotic disorder, other substance-related disorders, or underlying medical conditions.

Treatment Planning

Once a diagnosis of HPPD is made, the healthcare professional will work with the individual to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of HPPD.

by Diseasemaps

Usually, HPPD is best diagnosed by a neurologist, as he knows the brain better than any other person. The tests are mostly subjective, asking the patient what he sees etc... some MRI tests can see changes in the brain, while some can't.

6/11/18 by dayum_som 4020

In my case, my psychologist just took my word for it. They have to rule out other disorders like schizophrenia or epileptic disorders in order to consider you a candidate for HPPD. You must have visual disturbances that persist more than a few day post hallucinogen use. Hallucinogen use must precede HPPD. DSM-IV A) The reexperiencing, following cessation of use of a hallucinogen, of 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 after-images, halos around objects, macropsia and micropsia)." B) The symptoms in Criterion A cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. C)The symptoms are not due to a general medical condition (e.g., anatomical lesions and infections of the brain, visual epilepsies) and are not better accounted from by other mental disorders (e.g., delirium, dementia, Schizophrenia) or hypnopompic hallucinations.

2/17/19 by Nicolas 4550

I have seen neurologists to check for brain tumors, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and heavy metal toxicity. I have had two MRI's one EEG and various blood tests done. I went to a psychiatrist to see if it was schizophrenia, I had thought it must be since I was hallucinating. He said I did not have that but I tried the antipsychotics anyways which made my symptoms worse. He said it could be acute anxiety or psychosis from severe depression but I didn't fit into any of those categories either. The hallucinations caused my anxiety and depression, not the other way around.It was my fourth psychiatrist who knew about hppd and mentioned it to me. I discounted it, forgetting I had once smoked weed that had been laced with what I think was PCP. I started to research hppd and I was amazed that for the first time people were mentioning what was happening to me. I am the one who researched all the the treatments and brought the info to my psychiatrist. I am still going to a neurologist for trigeminal neuralgia but he has no knowledge of how to help hppd. It is important to rule out other possibilities and have all the tests done.

8/6/20 by maytwoodward 800

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