DC12 – Analysing the obstacles and opportunities of different regulatory pathways to patient access for psychedelic therapies
Doctoral Candidate DC12: Shar Rao | UCPH Description The development of psychedelic therapies in Europe must operate within the established regulatory framework for medicinal products, with centralised marketing authorisation via the European Medicines Agency as the primary route. However, existing regulatory structures were not designed for treatments that combine psychoactive compounds with structured psychotherapeutic interventions, […]
DC11 – Health economics of psychedelic therapy
Doctoral Candidate DC11: Cara Tomnay | UU Description This doctoral project focuses on generating robust, policy-relevant evidence on the economic value of psychedelic therapy (PT) across different mental health conditions. While clinical evidence on PT is rapidly expanding, systematic economic evidence remains scarce, limiting informed decision-making regarding its implementation and reimbursement. This project will address […]
DC10 – Methodological challenges in clinical psychedelic research
Doctoral Candidate DC10: Lukas Heinrich | ULEI Description This DC project addresses key methodological challenges in clinical and experimental psychedelic research, including expectancy and placebo effects, the breaking-blind problem, and limited mechanistic insight. The project aims to empirically evaluate methodological solutions using controlled laboratory studies and complementary naturalistic designs in healthy volunteers. The doctoral candidate […]
DC9 – Psychotherapy process and psychological intervention techniques in psychedelic therapy: safety and efficacy
Doctoral Candidate DC9: Claudio Daza | CF Description Psychedelic therapies have re-emerged as a promising treatment for several neuropsychiatric disorders, but wide variation in practice leaves open questions about the role of psychotherapy and optimal treatment procedures. This project aims to address concerns regarding the delivery of psychotherapy in psychedelic treatments that may hinder regulatory […]
DC8 – Set and Setting in Psychedelic Therapy: An Anthropological and Clinical Perspective
Doctoral Candidate DC8: Cyprien Basso | INSERM Description Psychedelic therapies have shown promising results in the treatment of mental health conditions, yet growing evidence suggests that their effects cannot be understood solely through pharmacology. Extra-pharmacological factors – often referred to as set and setting – play a crucial role in shaping both therapeutic outcomes and […]
DC7 – The role of music and psychotherapeutic support in psychedelic therapy
Doctoral Candidate DC7: Maria Carla Lacidogna | UCPH Description This DC project investigates the role of music and therapist behaviours in psychedelic treatments (PT). The doctoral candidate will contribute to analyses of a music-based preparatory intervention administered prior to psilocybin dosing, as well as the effects of a novel music program played during psilocybin sessions. […]
DC6 – Sex/gender differences in psychedelics psychopharmacology
Doctoral Candidate DC6: Kian Stenbolt | NKUA Description Depression and anxiety disorders are more common in women than men, and many women also suffer from hormone-related conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and perimenopausal disturbances. Sex and gender differences in treatment response have been identified, yet no guidelines exist for sex- or gender-oriented […]
DC5 – Psychedelics, attachment-related changes, and mental health outcomes
Doctoral Candidate DC5: Lasse Damgaard | SU Description This doctoral project will investigate how psychedelic experiences may facilitate attachment-related psychological changes and their relationship to mental health outcomes. The doctoral candidate will contribute to two complementary studies: a non-clinical investigation of Swedish psychedelic retreat participants and a clinical trial examining psilocybin-assisted treatment for depression in […]
DC4 – Mapping the subjective phenomenology of therapeutic and challenging experiences in psychedelic therapy
Doctoral Candidate DC4: Holly Hepburn | UMCG Description While seemingly rare, sustained difficulties after psychedelic therapy do occur and may have a large negative impact on an individual’s wellbeing. Due to limitations in our understanding and assessment of adverse events, they are likely underreported in current literature. Systematic long-term monitoring and post-trial care are needed […]
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 […]