6 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
6 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
#rs/assignment #rs/class/hea150
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1. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is a condition caused by the use of hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD or PCP. The symptoms include flashbacks and visual artifacts similar to those seen when using the drugs as well as potentially increased anxiety and depression. With HPPD, these occur when the person is completely sober and can have varying intensities depending on factors we don't completely understand. This condition likely affects only a small amount of people using these drugs, although we don't know exact numbers. There are several theories for what causes HPPD, including memories triggered by environmental factors similar to PTSD, senses being more likely to be altered after drug use and strong traumatic memories being accessed by flashbacks. Diagnostic tools can include questionnaires, a modified Tellegen Absorption Scale and the Visual Apophenia Luke Irvine Scale. Review of medications and blood work can also be used for a diagnoses. There is still much that is unknown about this condition, and most treatments only include symptom management rather than an actual cure. These can include benzodiazepines to slow down brain activity, SSRIs to treat depression and anxiety, and clonidine to alter nerve impulses in the brain.
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2. The second article that I read was "Psilocybin and LSD: What I learnt after experiencing 'psychedelic flashbacks'" from the BBC. There were many of the same ideas in both of these articles, and the second one that I read took a more personal approach by describing the experiences of the author with hallucinogenic drugs and their own experiences with HPPD. The first article focuses more on the causes, effects, symptoms, and facts of the condition while the second one provides more context into the history of the condition. The BBC article explains how even though the HPPD diagnoses is relatively recent, people have been experiencing similar conditions for a long time. It also discusses the stigma around hallucinogenic drugs and conditions such as HPPD. This has likely led to much less research going into conditions such as these, and it is also mentioned that many people with HPPD are worried that others will judge them if they reveal their conditions.
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3. After reading this it is sad to me that there is so little research on this topic largely due to how much drugs have been stigmatized in many places in the world. Especially in the United States there is a very large stigma around using these drugs and even though they are illegal, many people still use them and it seems important to do research into the effects that they might have on someone. It seems like there is much better research on things like alcohol usage since there is less of a stigma around drinking, even though it can also cause harmful effects. Especially with the rising use of drugs and especially hallucinogens in medical treatments, there isn't very much research on what the side effects might be and how we can avoid or treat them. The first article that I read focused more on the effects on physical and mental wellness of HPPD such as changes in perception and increased anxiety and depression. The second article I read also discussed these aspects, but also touched on social wellness by talking about the social stigma around using hallucinogenic drugs and how many people were afraid to tell others about their condition due to what they might think about their drug use. |