title: LSD Flashbacks - The Appearance of New Visual Imagery Not Experienced During Initial Intoxication: Two Case Reports.
abstract: A side effect associated with the use of synthetic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide-(LSD) is the partial or total recurrence of perceptual disturbances which previously appeared during intoxication, despite absence of recent use. These are commonly referred to as "flashbacks" or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Here we present two cases of patients with a prior history of LSD use who turned to psychiatric consultation following brief episodes of HPPD. Surprisingly, in both cases new visual imagery appeared during episodes of flashbacks which was not experienced during primary LSD use. Both subjects reported the ability to discern between LSD-associated visual disturbances and new visual imagery. This phenomenon did not cause functional impairment and in both cases caused gradual concern due to its persistence. Both patients refused medical treatment and continued psychiatric follow-up. At one year follow-up both patients reported almost complete spontaneous remission. To the best of our knowledge these are the first reported cases of LSD-related benign flashbacks in which new imagery is experienced. Reasons for this reversible and apparently harmless side effect are proposed. Conclusions from case reports should be taken with caution.
authors.affiliation: Lev Hasharon Mental Health Medical Center, Pardessya, Israel Sackler School Of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: G Lerner
authors.affiliation: Lev Hasharon Mental Health Medical Center, Pardessya, Israel.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.affiliation: Lev Hasharon Mental Health Medical Center, Pardessya, Israel.
authors.forename: Dmitri
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rudinski
authors.affiliation: Addiction Medicine Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
authors.forename: Shaul
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lev-Ran
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008238:Lysergic Acid Diethylamide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006213:Hallucinogens; D008238:Lysergic Acid Diethylamide