Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of someone under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug?

• A. Displaying slowed reaction time and impaired motor coordination
• B. Having persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• C. Experiencing vivid sensory distortions or hallucinations
• D. Showing increased alertness and hyperactivity

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what hallucinogenic drugs are and their primary effects on perception and cognition. Hallucinogens primarily alter sensory perception, leading to experiences such as visual or auditory hallucinations.
2. Step 2: Review each symptom option and relate it to typical drug effects. For example, slowed reaction time and impaired motor coordination are more characteristic of depressants, not hallucinogens.
3. Step 3: Recognize that persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness are symptoms commonly associated with mood disorders like depression, rather than acute drug effects.
4. Step 4: Note that increased alertness and hyperactivity are typical of stimulant drugs, which differ from hallucinogens in their effects on the nervous system.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the symptom most characteristic of hallucinogenic drug influence is experiencing vivid sensory distortions or hallucinations, as this directly reflects the core effect of hallucinogens on perception.