Eric Vermetten

Eric Vermetten is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in the field of mental health, particularly focusing on psychotrauma and its effects on military personnel and veterans. Here are some key details about his background and current roles:

Professional Positions

• Mental Health Consultant at the United Nations (since 2022)46
• Professor of Psychiatry at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands12
• Strategic Advisor (Colonel) of Research at the Military Mental Health Service with the Dutch Ministry of Defense2
• Affiliated with ARQ National Psychotrauma Center26

Academic Appointments

• Holds an endowed chair in Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry at Leiden UMC2
• Adjunct Professor at the Department of Psychiatry of New York University Medical Center12
• Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta1

Research Focus

Dr. Vermetten's research primarily concentrates on:

• Medical and biological aspects of complex psychotrauma in military and civilian populations2
• Stress, trauma, and complex PTSD2
• Neuroscience related to trauma and stress disorders2
• Novel approaches to therapy, including the use of psychedelics like MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and medical cannabis12

Notable Achievements

• Published over 200 papers and more than 30 book chapters2
• Principal Investigator of PRISMO, a 10-year longitudinal cohort study on prospective research in military operations2
• Involved in developing innovative augmentation of pharmaco- and psychotherapeutic interventions for PTSD2

International Involvement

Dr. Vermetten has been actively involved in international mental health initiatives, including:

• Contributing to the United Nations Mental Health Strategy for Uniformed Personnel3
• Participating in global discussions on mental health awareness and support for peacekeepers5

His expertise in military mental health and trauma, combined with his role as a UN Mental Health Consultant, positions Dr. Vermetten as a leading figure in addressing the psychological challenges faced by uniformed personnel in international peacekeeping operations.