title: Social defeat as an animal model for depression.
abstract: Depression is one of the most disabling medical conditions in the world today, yet its etiologies remain unclear and current treatments are not wholly effective. Animal models are a powerful tool to investigate possible causes and treatments for human diseases. We describe an animal model of social defeat as a possible model for human depression. We discuss the paradigm, behavioral correlates to depression, and potential underlying neurobiological mechanisms with an eye toward possible future therapies.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hollis
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kabbaj
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: animal models; depression; social defeat; stress