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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Maastricht Psychedelic Symposium
On May 24, the Maastricht Psychedelic Research Team organized a mini-symposium on psychedelics. We welcomed two international speakers: Prof. dos Santos and Prof. Bouso from Brazil and Spain to discuss their ayahuasca and ibogaine research. We also had several internal speakers: presenting on mystical vs. autobiographical psychedelic experiences (Dr Kangaslampi), microdosing (Ms. Haijen), and 5-MeO-DMT (Mr. Reckweg).
Click below to watch the entire symposium
Read about our new paper on the neurological origins of a visual psychedelic hallucination
Congratulations to Zeus Tipado on his newly published paper that introduces a new theory as to why a person experiences a visual trip on psychedelics.
Read The PaperParticipate 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
Mauro Cavarra, MSc
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...
Prof. Jan Ramaekers
I work as a professor in psychopharmacology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. My research combines methods from psychopharmacology, forensic toxicology and cognitive neuroscience to determine drug induced changes in human performance.
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. Conny Quaedflieg
Stress Resilience, Intentional Forgetting, EEG
Through my extensive research experience, I have built expertise in various disciplines (psychology, psychophysiology, neurosciences) and I have become enthusiastic about bridging them.
Lorena Guerra, MSc
I am Lorena, a PhD candidate from Brazil with experience working on preclinical and clinical research.
Pablo Mallaroni, MSc
Psychedelics, fMRI/MRS, Idiosyncracy
I am PhD candidate with the Psychopharmacology Unit of Maastricht University with a background in translational neuroscience.
Dr. Pim Heckman
Neuroplasticity, Memory recovery, Sleep loss
My academic training and research experience have provided me with an excellent background in multiple psychological disciplines including neurobiology, neuropsychology, and neuropsychopharmacology.
Dr. Lilian Kloft
Cognition, Drugs, False Memory
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the fields of psychopharmacology and forensic psychology with an international education from various high-class universities.
Dr. Peter van Ruitenbeek
My name is Dr. Peter van Ruitenbeek and I work as an assistant professor. That means I teach and do research at the faculty of psychology and neuroscience.
Psychedelic Research
Mood and cognition after administration of low LSD doses in healthy volunteers: A placebo controlled dose-effect finding study
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Spontaneous and deliberate creative cognition during and after psilocybin exposure
Cognition, Psilocybin, creativity
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Ritualistic use of ayahuasca enhances a shared functional connectome identity with others
Functional Connectivity, Ayahuasca, Ritual
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Sub-acute and long-term effects of ayahuasca on affect and cognitive thinking style and their association with ego dissolution
Ayahuasca, ego dissolution, cognitive
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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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Cannabis induced increase in striatal glutamate associated with loss of functional corticostriatal connectivity
Cannabis, Glutamate, Functional Connectivity
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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
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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.