Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder after psilocybin consumption: a case study

Abstract

The recurrence of flashbacks without acute or chronic hallucinogen consumption has been recognized in the DSM IV criteria as the hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Perceptual disturbances may last for 5 years or more and represent a real psychosocial distress. We reported here a case of a 18-year-old young man presenting HPPD after a mixed intoxication with psylocibin and cannabis. This report shows symptomatic recurrences persisting more than 8 months. Various differential diagnoses were evoked and our therapeutic strategies were described.

Psychedelics

“…For example, Espiard et al (2005) reported HPPD in an 18-year-old man after mixed intoxication with psilocybin and cannabis. The symptoms persisted for more than 8 months.…”

Occurrence and use of hallucinogenic mushrooms containing psilocybin alkaloids

“…Table 7 summarizes cases of persistent psychiatric symptoms described in the literature. Espiard et al (2005) described a 18-year old student that appeared at the clinic with perceptual impairments. These were lasting for 8 months.…”

An approach to the new psychoactive drugs phenomenon

“…Just as with the rest of the simple tryptamines, psylocyne and psilocybine are considered substances with a wide margin of safety. Only one single decease has been reported up to date, and this was related with the massive consumption of Psilocybe semilanceata, as well as persistent perceptive disorder incidents due to hallucinogenic drugs (Espiard, Lecardeur, Abadie, Halbecq & Dollfus, 2005). Though both active principles are listed under category I of addictive substances, with no therapeutic potential acknowledged, anti-migraine or anti-obsessive properties have been reported.…”