flashback

flash·back (flshbk)

n.

1. An unexpected recurrence of the effects of a hallucinogenic drug long after its original use.

2. A recurring, intensely vivid mental image of a past traumatic experience.

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Flashback

The re-emergence of a traumatic memory as a vivid recollection of sounds, images, and sensations associated with the trauma. The person having the flashback typically feels as if they are reliving the event. Flashbacks were first described by doctors treating combat veterans of World War I (1914–1918).

Mentioned in: Stockholm Syndrome

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flashback,

a phenomenon experienced by persons who have taken a hallucinogenic drug or had psychologic trauma and unexpectedly reexperience its effects. This is also suffered by patients with posttraumatic stress disorder.

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flashback

Psychology A non-drug-related repetition of frightening experiences or images, which may affect ex-soldiers, as is well-described in veterans of the Vietnam conflict Substance abuse Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder an involuntary recurrence of some aspect of a hallucinatory experience or perceptual distortion often with negative overtones and accompanied by fear and anxiety; flashbacks are an adverse effect classically associated with psychedelic drugs–eg, LSD and PCP, which occur days to wks after the last dose; flashbacks are common in heavy users and disappear with time. See LSD, PCP.

Flashback-hallucinogen persisting perception disorder

A The re-experiencing, after discontinuating use of a hallucinogen, of 1+ perceptual symptoms experienced while intoxicated with the hallucinogen, eg geometric hallucinations, flashes of colors, macropsia, micropsia, etc

B Symptoms in A cause significant distress or impairment of social, occupational, or other important function

C Symptoms are not due to a general medical condition, or otherwise accounted for by another mental disorder

*DSM-IV^™ American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC 1994