ANIMAL MODELS OF DEPRESSION: AN UPDATE

Abstract

Animal models in psychopharmacology are difficult to develop because of the convolution of the human mind and the inherent difficulty in stimulating a similar condition in laboratory animals. However animal models in the psychopharmacology have contributed a lot to drug research. Depression is one among the most rampant forms of psychiatric disorders and a leading cause for morbidity and mortality [1]. Since the unexpected breakthrough of the first antidepressants the progress in developing more efficient medications has marked time, emphasizing the need to establish novel classes of antidepressants. Various animal models have been developed and are instrumental in detecting the antidepressant-like potential of novel compounds in preclinical settings. The models commonly used are diverse and were developed originally based on the behavioral consequences of stress, drug, lesion or genetic manipulations [2-4]. The present review is an attempt to compile together various animal models employed for the screening of antidepressants.