NP&PP Research
The department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology (NP&PP) consists of two sections: Neuropsychology (NP) and Psychopharmacology (PP). Research and education in these sections is dedicated to the scientific investigation of brain-behaviour relationships. NP focuses on neurocognitive development, ageing and brain injury in a lifespan perspective as well as the underlying contributions of biological and psychosocial factors. PP assesses biological mechanisms that underlie cognitive, affective and behavioural functions by means of controlled pharmacological interventions.
NP&PP research lines
Psychopharmacology
Led by: Wim Riedel – Profile page
The Experimental Psychopharmacology Unit is a research unit located at Maastricht University. It consists of staff from the Faculty of Psychology (Dept. of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology) and the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (Dept. of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology).
Main focus: neurochemical basis of various behavioural functions
The research in this unit is mainly focused on the neurochemical basis of various behavioural functions such as memory, attention, psychomotor performance, mood, anxiety, and addiction. We study biological mechanisms related to neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs that affect behaviour and cognition, in both humans and animals.
Our research can be divided into three main categories:
- Drugs and driving
- Drugs and cognition
- Drugs and disorders
Experimental approach
Within each of these categories, we use an experimental approach and not only assess the behaviour of participants or patients, but also the brain activity involved in this behaviour. The EPU is formerly known as the Institute for Human Psychopharmacology, where the main focus was on Drugs and driving research.
Methods
Our methods include pharmacological and nutritional manipulation, assessment of brain function using EEG and functional MRI methods, cognitive and psychomotor assessment in laboratory conditions and assessment of car driving performance in real life.