The Rodent Forced Swim Test Measures Stress-Coping Strategy, Not Depression-like Behavior
Boston Children's Hospital · Harvard University · +1 more institution
Abstract
The forced swim test (FST) measures coping strategy to an acute inescapable stress and thus provides unique insight into the neural limb of the stress response. Stress, particularly chronic stress, is a contributing factor to depression in humans and depression is associated with altered response to stress. In addition, drugs that are effective antidepressants in humans typically promote active coping strategy in the FST. As a consequence, passive coping in the FST has become loosely equated with depression and is often referred to as "depression-like" behavior. This terminology oversimplifies complex biology and misrepresents both the utility and limitations of the FST. The FST provides little construct- or…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 16.71
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 68
Authors
4- KGKathryn G. CommonsCorresponding
Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Center for Pain and the Brain
- ABAram B. Cholanians
Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Center for Pain and the Brain
- JAJessica A. Babb
Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Center for Pain and the Brain
- DGDaniel G. Ehlinger
Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Center for Pain and the Brain
Topics & keywords
- Behavioural despair test
- Coping (psychology)
- Psychology
- Chronic stress
- Clinical psychology
- Animal models of depression
- Terminology
- Psychiatry
- Good health and well-being