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.
Learn More
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.
Learn MoreParticipate in our studies!
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.
View All Studies
Our Scientists
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
Ideography, Psilocybin, Psychotherapy
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. Mauro Cavarra
Psychosomatics, Chronic Pain, Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
I am a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and clinical trainer interested in understanding the connection between mind and body. At the Department I work in research projects that explore the potential of psychedelic therapies in the treatment...
Zain Gangaram, MSc
My research is multifaceted and is based on an RDoC model for Reactive Aggression (RA).
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.
Max Kaiser , MSc
I investigate whether inaccessible memories can be recovered and made retrievable again using various forms of non-invasive stimulation.
Dr. Natasha Mason
Psychedelics, Neuroadaptations, Plasticity
My research is driven by my desire to find effective treatments for psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Kim Kuypers
Microdosing, Cognition, Nutrition
My research focuses on the neurobiology of flexible cognition, empathy, and well-being.
Dr. Eline Haijen
Psychedelics, ADHD, Microdosing
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.
Psychedelic Research
Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking
creativity, Ayahuasca, divergent thinking, convergent thinking
→
Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin
→
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
→
Visual hallucinations originating in the retinofugal pathway under clinical and psychedelic conditions
visual, vision, retinofugal, tripping, Psychedelics, hallucinations
→
Cannabis Research
Cognition and motor control as a function of 9-THC concentration in serum and oral fluid: Limits of impairment
→
Medicinal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol) impairs on-the-road driving performance of occasional and heavy cannabis users but is not detected in Standard Field Sobriety Tests
→
Cannabis induced increase in striatal glutamate associated with loss of functional corticostriatal connectivity
Glutamate, Functional Connectivity, Cannabis
→
Intoxication by a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018) causes cognitive and psychomotor impairment in recreational cannabis users
Cognition, Psychomotor, Cannabis
→
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.