Animal Models of Depression: An Update

Abstract

It is very difficult to develop the animal models in neuropharmacology due to the complexity of the human brain and the intrinsic complexity of developing a similar situation in experimental animals. Still, animal models in neuropharmacology have made a greater contribution in the drug development. Depression is the common and potentially devastating form of neuropsychiatric diseases affecting the individuals of every age across the world. Since the conventional antidepressants exhibit some adverse effects, it becomes important to develop novel antidepressants with fewer adverse effects. Several animal models were developed for the screening of the novel antidepressants preclinically. The different animal models used were initially developed on the basis of the phenotypical effects of stress, medication, injury, or genetic manipulation. In the current review, we have tried to compile diverse animal models used for the screening of the novel antidepressants.