Hallucinations flashbacks

Psychotic Disorders. Patient descriptions of flashback experiences occasionally resemble those of auditory or visual hallucinations. In addition, the numbing and affective restriction of PTSD can resemble the affective flattening of schizophrenia. Finally, some evidence indicates that those with chronic psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are more vulnerable to trauma, creating the possibility of comorbid PTSD and psychosis. Flashbacks can be distinguished from hallucinations in that the sounds and visions described by a patient with PTSD during a flashback represent a reexperiencing of an earlier traumatic event. The content of the flashback, therefore, is either directly or indirectly tied to the trauma. 

Lysergic acid diethylamide Central nervous system (CNS) 5-HT2and dopamine agonist 5-HT2 antagonist in periphery Hallucinations psychotomimetic None widely abused Oral duration several hours Toxicity Prolonged psychotic state, flashbacks... 

The three drugs, LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin are commonly called hallucinogens because of their ability to alter consciousness such that the individual senses things that are not present. They induce, often in an unpredictable way, perceptual symptoms, including shape and color distortion. Psychosis-like manifestations (depersonalization, hallucinations, distorted time perception) have led some to classify these drugs as psychotomimetics. They also produce somatic symptoms (dizziness, nausea, paresthesias, and blurred vision). Some users have reported intense reexperiencing of perceptual effects (flashbacks) up to several years after the last drug exposure. 

Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring (includes a sense of reliving the experience, illusions, hallucinations, and dissociative flashback episodes, including those that occur on awakening or when intoxicated). Note In children trauma-specific reenactment may occur. 

FLASHBACK The re-experiencing of a drug high without actually taking the drug. A flashback is usually limited to visual hallucinations and disturbances and can occur weeks, months, or years after taking the drug. 

While there is no formal treatment for HPPD and drug-induced psychosis, those who have trouble coping with the symptoms are often treated with antidepressants to help reduce the symptoms. Former users who experience flashbacks are often fearful and confused by the inexplicable hallucinations, and it is reported that they think they may have suffered brain damage or are going insane. Psychotherapy may help them cope. 

Flashbacks may occur days, months, or years after using the drug, and may include seeing intense colors and other hallucinations. They can be sparked by the use of another drug, stress, fatigue, or physical exercise. The flashbacks can range from mild to intense and include feelings of anxiety. They can last several minutes. 

Higher doses of THC are associated with hallucinations, delusions and paranoid ideas the sense of depersonalization also becomes more intense. The possibility that high doses of THC can trigger a schizophrenic episode in predisposed people is well recognized. "Flashbacks have been reported in those who have been exposed to high doses of the drug. 

The most common adverse effects of LSD are panic attacks. In addition, unpredictable recurrence of hallucinations (flashbacks) may occur weeks or months after last drug... 

Hallucinogens (eg, LSD, mescaline) Anxiety, ideas of reference, depersonalization, illusions, hallucinations, pupillary dilation, tremors, uncoordination None Partial agonist at post-synaptic 5-HT receptors Supportive counseling, talking down, antipsychotics or benzodiazepines Perceptual impairment, flashbacks, synesthesias (hearing a smell), convulsions... 

People experience different reactions to LSD. Some users sweat, have trouble sleeping, and feel weak or numb. Other users may have a rise in heart rate, dry mouth, and tremors. People who use LSD regularly may experience psychosis and flashbacks. Flashbacks are hallucinations that occur months, or even years, after a person stops taking the drug. 

Flashback A recurring feeling of hallucinations or altered perceptions experienced during an LSD trip again after a period of time even though he or she has not taken the drug again. 

Information is very limited and conflicting. The authors of the first report suggest that patients who are given SSRIs should be warned about the possibility of flashback or hallucinations if they have a known history of LSD abuse. 

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