DC3 –  Identification of EEG and fMRI biomarkers with potential predictive value for psychedelics’ antidepressant effects

Doctoral Candidate DC3: Marcelo Tisoc Mora | NIMH Description Psychedelics have emerged as promising candidates for treating psychiatric disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression. Recent clinical trials have shifted focus toward identifying biomarkers that elucidate the neurobiology of these substances and their sustained positive effects on mood. Given the rapid onset of psychedelic action, identifying baseline biomarkers […]

DC 2 – The effect of psychedelic substances on synaptic transmission and plasticity

Doctoral Candidate DC2: Max Neuhaus | UU Description A common factor of most antidepressant substances is the enhancement of BDNF synthesis and synaptic plasticity, suggested to be instrumental for the antidepressant effect. Psychedelic drugs seem to be particularly potent in enhancing synaptic plasticity, and the effect appears to be long-lasting. In this project we will […]

DC1 – The antidepressant efficacy of psilocybin from a pathophysiological perspective

Doctoral Candidate DC1: Nina Boulens | UMCG Description The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by the loss of synaptic connections in cortical and limbic regions involved in mood regulation. Volumetric reductions in these brain structures have been associated with a more persistent clinical course, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Psilocybin has been introduced […]