Pouya Movahed Rad

Pouya Movahed Rad's research began with a focus on the capsaicin receptor (the active compound in chili pepper) on sensory neurons, advancing our understanding of pain and inflammation by studying endogenous substances as ligands. He also investigated how garlic compounds interact with TRPA1 channels on sensory neurons, providing insights into the evolutionary strategies of plants affecting sensory pathways.
As a postdoctoral researcher, Movahed Rad led the Swedish multicenter study (KetECT), evaluating the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and IV ketamine for hospitalized patients with depression. This work, involving over 200 patients, garnered media and scientific attention, contributing to the development of new guidelines.
Moreover, Movahed Rad conducted research in pediatric psychiatry, focusing on the safety and efficacy of ECT in children and adolescents. His involvement in studies on ECT during pregnancy demonstrates his commitment to safe psychiatric treatment across all patient groups. He is now the national coordinating principal investigator for a psilocybin depression study, supported by Compass Pathway.
Seeking to advance psychiatry, Movahed Rad is pursuing funding for academically sponsored psilocybin research. His commitment to innovative psychiatric research and clinical work, particularly in treating challenging cases at the brain stimulation unit in Lund's psychiatric clinic, aims to enhance patient outcomes