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
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. 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.
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. 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...
Dr. Rudy Schreiber
Research Domain Criteria, CNS Drug Discovery
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
Zeus Tipado, MSc
My neuroscience research is focused on perceptual experiences of psychedelics, specifically visual experiences while under DMT.
Iva Totomanova, MSc
My primary research interest lies in exploring the potential of psychedelics to be used as novel treatment options for a range of psychiatric disorders.
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. 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...
Psychedelic Research
Ritualistic use of ayahuasca enhances a shared functional connectome identity with others
Ritual, Functional Connectivity, Ayahuasca
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Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking
creativity, divergent thinking, convergent thinking, Ayahuasca
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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
5-MeO-DMT, naturalistic, psychopathological
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Microdosing with psychedelics to self-medicate for ADHD symptoms in adults: A prospective naturalistic study
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Cannabis Research
Comparison of Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetic Properties in Occasional and Heavy Users Smoking a Marijuana or Placebo Joint
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Intoxication by a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018) causes cognitive and psychomotor impairment in recreational cannabis users
Cognition, Psychomotor, 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.