Anja Huizink

Anja Huizink is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She is affiliated with the APH - Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases and APH - Mental Health research groups. Her work bridges clinical psychology, neuroscience, and developmental research.

Research Interests: Dr. Huizink investigates trauma-related disorders, substance abuse, and stress physiology. Key areas include:

• PTSD interventions and stress reactivity
• Cannabis use and neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Cortisol regulation in vulnerable populations
• Gender differences in addiction mechanisms
• Global mental health during crises

Publications (2025 highlights): Recent work explores:

• EMD therapy for PTSD stress reactivity
• Food insecurity and caregiver mental health in Kenya
• Gender-specific craving mechanisms in alcohol misuse
• Longitudinal pandemic mental health resilience

Projects: Current initiatives include:

• Digital mental health adaptation in post-pandemic Europe
• Alcohol addiction sex differences
• Smoke-free pregnancy outcomes