Psychopharmacology Maastricht
The psychopharmacology department at Maastricht University focuses on the cognitive, behavioral, and biological effects of various substances, ranging from pharmaceutical to recreational drugs.
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Mind Altering Conversations with Mauro Cavara, featuring Steven Fülle
Check out the FIRST episode of our podcast series, MIND ALTERING CONVERSATIONS! In this series, psychedelic science student Steven Fülle talks to Dr. Mauro Cavara about his research into psilocybin being used for pain management in fibromyalgia.
Watch it here!
Congratulations to the NEW Dr. Eline C. H. M. Haijen!
After successfully defending her PhD thesis entitled: “Exploring the Adult ADHD Treatment Landscape: From Current Practices to Psychedelic Microdosing and Novel Screening Approaches.” In her thesis, she looks at novel approaches of treating ADHD with LSD microdosing.
Watch the defense here!Congratulations to the NEW Dr. Elisabeth Prevete!
On successfully defending her PhD thesis ‘Mental Effects and Potential Therapeutic Use of Kratom/Mitragynine!’ This project was a joint venture between Maastricht University and Sapienza University of Rome. This is Elisabeth’s SECOND doctorate, she now holds an MD and a PhD! Congrats once again Elisbath on a great accomplishment!
Watch the defense here!
Meet our Department!
The scientists in our lab come from many countries and backgrounds, all with highly unique research abilities. Come meet the people that make up the Psychopharmacology Department.
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We're always conducting research in our department and we're frequently looking for participants to be a part of science! If you're interested, look at the studies that we are currently conducting.
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Our Scientists
Zain Gangaram, MSc
My research is multifaceted and is based on an RDoC model for Reactive Aggression (RA).
Aedan O’Shea, MSc
I have a long standing interest in unravelling the therapeutic mechanisms of Psychedelics, and in this project I will investigate the effect of Psychedelic drug exposure in humans on miRNA’s transported in neuron-derived Extracellular Vesicles...
Dr. Eef Theunissen
Cognition, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Drugs and Driving
I began my Ph.D. journey in 2001 at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Maastricht. My research focused on investigating the sedating and stimulating effects of antihistamines, with a particular emphasis on their...
Dr. Kim Kuypers
Microdosing, Cognition, Nutrition
My research focuses on the neurobiology of flexible cognition, empathy, and well-being.
Prof. Arjan Blokland
Cognition, Learning & Memory, Acetylcholine
I studied Psychology at the Radboud University (Nijmegen, NL). After receiving my PhD in Maastricht in 1992, I did a post doc at the University of Cambridge in 1992.
Dr. Pim Heckman
Memory recovery, Sleep loss, Neuroplasticity
My academic training and research experience have provided me with an excellent background in multiple psychological disciplines including neurobiology, neuropsychology, and neuropsychopharmacology.
Dr. C. Rob Markus
I became an expert on the relation between stress, brain (gene) vulnerability and the development of cognitive-affective complaints/disorders as well as in testing (claims about) dietary treatment/assessment methods.
Dr. Pablo Mallaroni
fMRI/MRS, Idiosyncracy, Psychedelics
I am Postdoctoral Researcher with the Psychopharmacology Unit of Maastricht University with a background in translational neuroscience.
Dr. Johannes Reckweg
5-MeO-DMT, Neuropsychopharmacology, Therapy
I am Johannes, a PhD from Germany. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree from the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, I came to Maastricht for my Master in Neuropsychology.
Psychedelic Research
Microdosing with psychedelics to self-medicate for ADHD symptoms in adults: A prospective naturalistic study
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Improving cognitive functioning in major depressive disorder with psychedelics: A dimensional approach
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Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin
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Microdosing psychedelics: More questions than answers? An overview and suggestions for future research
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A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life
naturalistic, psychopathological, 5-MeO-DMT
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Psilocybin induces acute and persisting alterations in immune status and the stress response in healthy volunteers
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Cannabis Research
Cognition and motor control as a function of 9-THC concentration in serum and oral fluid: Limits of impairment
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Rivastigmine but not vardenafil reverses cannabis-induced impairment of verbal memory in healthy humans
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Cannabis induced increase in striatal glutamate associated with loss of functional corticostriatal connectivity
Glutamate, Functional Connectivity, Cannabis
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Get in Touch
We are always up for communicating with people that have interesting ideas or questions. If you want to contact our department, please reach out using this form below.