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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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!
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 Lilian Kloft-Heller for being awarded the Collaborative Innovative Projects grant
From The Science Committee of the Faculty of Law for her research titled "Effects of Intoxication on Legal Decision-Making in Suspects: Developing Experimental Tools Using Virtual Reality"
Across two studies, Lilian will assess how intoxicated suspects make decisions on their rights and strategies throughout the custodial process. One study will be a field study in which self-intoxicated participants (alcohol) will take part. This study will be conducted in a bar or at a festival. The second study is a lab experiment to examine effects of acute cannabis intoxication on suspect decision-making.
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
Lorena Guerra, MSc
I am Lorena, a PhD candidate from Brazil with experience working on preclinical and clinical research.
Dr. Rudy Schreiber
CNS Drug Discovery, Research Domain Criteria
I started my career in central nervous system drug discovery in 1993 and subsequently progressed from bench scientist to senior leadership roles at global pharmaceutical companies
Dr. Eef Theunissen
Synthetic Cannabinoids, Drugs and Driving, Cognition
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...
Henry Whitfeld, MSc
Psilocybin, Psychotherapy, Ideography
After being a psychological therapist with 20years experience in trauma work and mindfulness-informed approaches, I am now a researcher investigating how psychedelic experiences and psychotherapeutic protocols interact.
Dr. Eline Haijen
ADHD, Microdosing, Psychedelics
I am a post doctoral researcher in the Psychopharmacology in Maastricht research group at the Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology at Maastricht University. I am from a little village close to Maastricht.
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.
Katharina Lege, MSc
Cannabinoids, Neuroimaging, Consciousness
Coming from a background of psychology and clinical neuroscience, I developed a strong interest in altered states of the mind as in mediation or yoga practices.
Prof. Arjan Blokland
Learning & Memory, Acetylcholine, Cognition
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.
Psychedelic Research
Trait mindfulness and personality characteristics in a microdosing ADHD sample: a naturalistic prospective survey study
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Improving cognitive functioning in major depressive disorder with psychedelics: A dimensional approach
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Spontaneous and deliberate creative cognition during and after psilocybin exposure
Psilocybin, Cognition, creativity
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The use patterns of novel psychedelics: experiential fingerprints of substituted phenethylamines, tryptamines and lysergamides
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Microdosing with psychedelics to self-medicate for ADHD symptoms in adults: A prospective naturalistic study
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Mood and cognition after administration of low LSD doses in healthy volunteers: A placebo controlled dose-effect finding study
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Cannabis Research
Intoxication by a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018) causes cognitive and psychomotor impairment in recreational cannabis users
Cognition, Psychomotor, Cannabis
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Rivastigmine but not vardenafil reverses cannabis-induced impairment of verbal memory in healthy humans
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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.