HPPD programSpecialist care for HPPD

Assessment and management of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, a condition that is often misunderstood and missed. By secure Telehealth Australia-wide.

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A man sitting in a softly lit room, his view slightly blurred

Understanding HPPD

What is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder?

HPPD is a recognised psychiatric condition in which visual and perceptual disturbances persist or come back after hallucinogen use has stopped. People with HPPD know that what they are seeing is a disturbance of perception, not something real.

It is often missed. People may see several clinicians before getting an answer, and symptoms are commonly put down to anxiety, psychosis or migraine. Eye and neurological tests are usually normal, which is why a careful psychiatric assessment matters.

Some people have brief, occasional episodes. Others notice changes most of the time, for months or years, which can affect work, study and quality of life.

At a glance

ReferralGP referral required

MedicareRebate may apply

FormatTelehealth Australia-wide

Works withYour GP, optometrist or neurologist

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Symptoms

Common presentations

Visual disturbances

Visual snow, afterimages, trails behind moving objects, halos around lights, intensified colours and geometric patterns.

Perceptual changes

Objects looking larger or smaller than they are, false movement at the edge of vision, light sensitivity and more noticeable floaters.

Associated symptoms

Feeling detached or unreal, anxiety, low mood, ringing in the ears, poor sleep and trouble concentrating.

How we can help

Assessment, treatment and support

Comprehensive assessment

A detailed history, substance-use timeline, symptom description and screening for anxiety, depression and depersonalisation, to tell HPPD apart from other causes.

Individualised treatment

Tailored to how severe your symptoms are. It may include a carefully monitored medication trial, psychological strategies, information about the condition and lifestyle changes.

Ongoing management

Regular follow-up to track symptoms and adjust treatment, coordinated with your GP and, where needed, referral for eye or neurological assessment.

Straight answers

HPPD questions

Can't find what you need? Call +61 7 3435 1513 or email intake@marchahead.com.au.

What is HPPD?

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder is a recognised psychiatric condition, listed in DSM-5, in which visual and perceptual disturbances such as visual snow, afterimages, halos and trails continue or return after hallucinogen use has stopped.

Can HPPD be assessed and managed by Telehealth?

Yes. HPPD is diagnosed mainly through a detailed clinical history, with no specific blood or imaging test. Follow-up, psychological strategies and education can all be delivered by secure video. Your psychiatrist may recommend an eye or neurological assessment to rule out other causes.

What treatment is available?

Treatment is individual and may include a carefully monitored medication trial, psychological approaches to manage distress, education about the condition and lifestyle changes. Research on HPPD is still developing, and your psychiatrist will explain what the evidence does and does not show.

Is HPPD covered by Medicare?

Medicare rebates may apply to psychiatry consultations for HPPD, including by Telehealth, with a GP referral. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on the consultation type and length.

How is HPPD different from flashbacks?

Brief, occasional flashbacks that settle on their own are sometimes called type 1 HPPD. Type 2 HPPD involves ongoing or near-constant disturbances that can last months or years and are often accompanied by anxiety and feelings of unreality.

Seeking an assessment for HPPD?

Telehealth Australia-wide, or in person in East Brisbane. We confirm your referral, fees and any rebate with you before anything is booked.

Make an enquiry Call +61 7 3435 1513