Assessment of commonly used tests in experimental depression studies according to behavioral patterns of rodents

Abstract Considering the main factor that causes or triggers depression in humans is stress. Several stress factors are applied to form depression-like symptoms in rodents. Depression tests are used to analyze the nature and patterns of depression. Well-founded modeling and versatile evaluation of tests are necessary to investigate a hypothesis that is related to depression. It is impossible to model or test all aspects of depression in humans by using experimental animals. As a result, the aims of the study should be determined specifically in depression models. The correct interpretation of the tests that are suitable for these aims is indispensable for the reliability of the data. To achieve this goal, the biological basis of the depression-related behaviors of animals should be well known. In this review, model and test concepts related to depression are discussed and behavioral patterns of rodents are explained with several examples.