Depression Symptoms in Rats
Rats show similar depression symptoms to humans, and react to anti-depression medicines similarly as well, according to Stanford University professor Karl Deisseroth. Rats thus are often used in studies investigating causes of and treatments for depression. Depression symptoms can be induced in rats by creating stressful situations the animals cannot escape or control, or by electric prodding in the brain.
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Grooming and Decreased Interest
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A study published in the journal "Neuropsychopharmacology" in 2008 indicated that nicotine exposure during adolescence can cause depression. Rats in this study exhibited repetitive grooming and a lack of interest in rewards.
Symptom Relief
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Researchers in the "Neuropsychopharmacology" study were able to reduce these symptoms with anti-depressant drugs or more nicotine.
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Anorexia
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Zinc deficiency also has been studied as a link to depression. A study published in "Physiology and Behavior" in 2008 found that rats with a zinc deficiency became anorexic and had little interest in sweet water (see Resources).
Despair and Anxiety
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Rats in the zinc deficiency study also showed increased despair and anxiety symptoms.
Additional Depression Symptoms
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Other depression symptoms in rats, as noted in a 1982 Rockefeller University study, include poor motor activity, sleeplessness, decrease in aggressive behavior and lack of interest in play (see Resources).
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