Dr. Marco Boks is a psychiatrist and senior research fellow at Amsterdam UMC specializing in the environmental and epigenetic factors influencing mental health. His research focuses on the interplay between poverty, environmental adversity, and molecular mechanisms, with the goal of developing innovative therapeutic approaches for psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Boks has been a pioneer in demonstrating the causal role of poverty in the development of mental illness. His work has provided critical evidence on how socioeconomic deprivation contributes to psychiatric disorders. His research underscores the importance of addressing structural inequalities as a fundamental aspect of mental health intervention.
Currently, Dr. Boks leads multiple research projects investigating gene-environment interactions in psychiatric conditions. His study on the epigenetic effects of childhood trauma explores how adverse early-life experiences alter gene expression and contribute to psychiatric vulnerability. Another key project examines maternal environmental exposures and their impact on children’s epigenetic profiles at birth.
Dr. Boks is also pioneering translational applications of epigenetic research. One of his major projects is a randomized controlled trial investigating the combination of trauma therapy (EMDR) with the methyl donor S-Adenyl Methionine to restore mood stability in individuals with a history of childhood trauma. Additionally, he collaborates with international partners to explore the utility of epigenetic clocks for precision psychiatry and biomarkers for stress-related disorders.
His research has received substantial national and international funding, supporting work on neurodevelopment, psychiatric genetics, and personalized medicine. Through these studies, Dr. Boks aims to bridge the gap between molecular discoveries and clinical interventions, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by mental health disorders.