Encore: Behavioural animal models of stress, depression and mood disorders

Animal studies over the past two decades have led to extensive advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of depressive and mood disorders. Among these, rodent behavioural models proved to be of highest informative value. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the most popular behavioural models with respect to physiological, circuit, and molecular biological correlates. Behavioural stress paradigms and behavioural tests are assessed in terms of outcomes, strengths, weaknesses, and translational value, especially in the domain of pharmacological studies.

Automated summary

Animal studies have significantly improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of depressive and mood disorders. Rodent behavioural models, in particular, have proven to be highly informative. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most popular behavioural models, including their physiological, circuit, and molecular biological correlates. It also evaluates the outcomes, strengths, weaknesses, and translational value of behavioural stress paradigms and tests, with a focus on pharmacological studies.