ABSTRACT
There are several ways to discuss the interrelation between animal models, anxiety disorders and serotonergic drugs. We choose here to discuss first the effects of the serotonin–related drugs in putative animal models for anxiety, then to discuss the effect of such drugs in anxiety disorders and then to see whether this information provides evidence to link a particular model to a particular anxiety disorder. The subject of serotonin related drugs and animal models for anxiety has been reviewed recently by different authors (Gardner, 1986, 1987; Johnston and File, 1986; Chopin and Briley, 1987). We will discuss the effect of serotonin–related drugs in five animal models for anxiety: the tests based on conflict behaviour, the social interaction test, the elevated plus–maze, aversive brain stimulation and defensive burying.
