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!
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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!
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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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Participate 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.

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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.

Simon Neugebauer, MSc

Psychedelics, Plasticity, Affective Bias

I specifically investigate how psychedelics can be used to pharmacologically probe and treat a negative affect biotype, that characterizes many emotional disorders.

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.

Janine Kox, MSc

Stress Resilience, Cognitive biases, Psychedelics

My research focuses on the effects of stress, sleep deprivation, on cognitive biases, by using the transdiagnostic rDOC approach, and see whether psychedelics such as LSD, Psilocybin and even non-hallucinogenic psychedelics can reverse these effects.

Iva Totomanova, MSc

ADHD, LSD, Microdosing

My primary research interest lies in exploring the potential of psychedelics to be used as novel treatment options for a range of psychiatric disorders.

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.

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...

Prof. Arjan Blokland

Learning & Memory, Cognition, 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. Natasha Mason

Neuroadaptations, Plasticity, Psychedelics

My research is driven by my desire to find effective treatments for psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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.

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