Animal models represent experimental investigations developed in one
species for the purpose of studying phenomena in another species and
provide numerous advantages for preclinical research. They allow
scientists greater control and isolation of important experimental
variables. Animal models are safe, reproducible strategies by which to
evaluate and design new pharma- cological treatment strategies, while
also allowing direct central nervous system intervention to alter the
course of the aberrant behavior. Animal models have been developed for a
number of mental illnesses; in this particular domain, they hold the
promise to shed light on the still obscure etiologies of these illnesses
and ultimately to facilitate the development and testing of "cures. "
Yet, true models of mental illness are difficult to develop, because
mental illness may be a uniquely human phenomenon. It was based on these
considerations that the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on the
Psychobiology of Depression set out to sponsor a conference to review
the status, problems, promises, and relevance of animal models to the
clinical conditions of affective disorders. The conference was held in
September 1986 and included participants from both within the Network as
well as scientists and scholars from various disciplines relevant to the
concerns of the conference. After the conference was held, it became
clear to the organizers that the material presented could be helpful to
a broader field of investigators, since a significant portion of the
information has not been presented elsewhere or in the unified context
of a monograph.
