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Animal Models for Anxiety Disorders

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Biomarkers for Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are characterized by overwhelming anxiety or fear and are chronic and relentless if left untreated. Current available treatments for anxiety disorders are inadequate and some have severe side effects, thus warranting a better understanding of the etiology and mechanisms underlying anxiety and the development of anxiety disorders. In this chapter, the use of animal models to identify molecular and cellular circuitry that regulate fear or anxiety, and the influence of environment on the development of fear or anxiety, are discussed.

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Abbreviations

ACTH:

Adrenocorticotropin

CORT:

Corticosterone

CRH:

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone

CS:

Conditioned stimulus

5-HT1A:

Serotonin 1A receptor

LTP:

Long-term potentiation

MAO-A:

Monoamine oxidase A

PTSD:

Post-traumatic stress disorder

SSRI:

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors

US:

Un-conditioned stimulus

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  1. Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143–2811, USA

    Su Guo

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    Guo, S. (2008). Animal Models for Anxiety Disorders. In: Turck, C. (eds) Biomarkers for Psychiatric Disorders. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79251-4_9

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