How is HPPD different from flashbacks?
Flashbacks are normally thought of as occasional reoccurences of a drug-like state. HPPD differs in two ways: • HPPD is recurrent or ongoing. • HPPD is purely visual. HPPD subjects have full reality testing, meaning that they are aware that what they are seeing is not real. Flashbacks consist of acute events where the individual experiences significant alterations in their thoughts, feelings, and/or perceptions which are reminiscent of earlier experiences. Other characteristics of flashbacks can include resurfaced memories, depersonalization or extreme detachment, altered sense of reality, re-experiencing thought-loops similar to a previous experience, visions of former experiences or traumatic events, anxiety or panic, and the like. Flashbacks are associated with traumatic experiences and are generally considered a symptom of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Flashbacks are also known to be caused by non-psychoactive drug related experiences. Any type of powerful experience can potentia
