Dr. Christiaan Vinkers, MD, PhD

My overall research objective is to investigate the neurobiological background of stress resilience and vulnerability including (epi)genetic, neuroendocrine, and brain circuitry factors. I have obtained degrees in Pharmacy, Medicine and Law. My preclinical research during my PhD training concerned the genetic and molecular basis of stress reactivity. During my study of Pharmacy, subsequent PhD training, and my study of Medicine, I saw a great unmet need for effective treatment options in psychiatric patients which convinced me to start my psychiatry residencies. In daily practice, I diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric disorders (including depression and anxiety disorders) which directly links my fundamental research activities to a clinical setting. It is my drive is to use stress and trauma as a transdiagnostic tool within and outside psychiatry. My research has contributed how (traumatic) stress increases the risk for psychiatric disorders and helped to identify who is (not) at risk. I am currently involved in epidemiological, experimental and clinical studies to further disentangle and integrate the biological and psychological determinants of stress resilience.